Make straight the way of the Lord

 Amen. This powerful command, "Make straight the way of the Lord," is a prophetic call to preparation. It is an urgent invitation to clear the obstacles out of the way so that the King may come in His fullness—both in our hearts and in the world.

This command was proclaimed by John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus:

"He said, 'I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, "Make straight the way of the Lord," as the prophet Isaiah said.'" - John 1:23 (ESV)

John was referencing the prophecy in Isaiah:

"A voice cries: 'In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.'" - Isaiah 40:3 (ESV)

What Does It Mean?

In ancient times, before a king visited a part of his realm, a crew would be sent ahead to repair the road—to fill in potholes, clear away debris, and straighten out crooked paths to ensure a smooth and direct journey for the royal procession.

Spiritually, this is what we are called to do:

· It is a Call to Repentance: The primary way we "make straight" the way is through repentance. We remove the obstacles of sin, pride, and self-reliance that hinder God's rule in our lives.

· It is a Call to Preparation: We prepare our hearts to receive more of Jesus, to hear His voice more clearly, and to welcome His presence.

· It is a Call to Action: It involves actively removing everything that distorts or blocks the truth of who God is, both in our own lives and in the world around us.

How Do We "Make Straight the Way"?

1. In Our Hearts (Personal Preparation):

   · Repent of Sin: Identify and confess any known sin. This is like filling in the potholes of rebellion and disobedience.

   · Humble Ourselves: Level the mountains of pride and self-importance. Acknowledge your need for God.

   · Surrender Control: Straighten the crooked places of self-will and manipulation. Yield your plans and desires to His lordship.

   · Forgive Others: Clear the debris of bitterness and unforgiveness that blocks the flow of God's love.

2. In Our World (Corporate Preparation):

   · Live Righteously: Be a person of integrity, showing a clear path to God through your actions.

   · Proclaim Truth: Share the gospel clearly and without distortion, "straightening" the crooked messages of the world.

   · Serve and Love: Prepare the way for others to meet Jesus by meeting their practical needs and showing them Christ's love.

A Poem: "Make Straight the Way"

"Make Straight the Way"

A voice cries out in the wilderness space, “Prepare ye the way of God’s grace! Make a highway straight and true, For the Lord is coming to visit you.”

The King is coming! Prepare the road! Lay down your self-made,heavy load. Fill in the valleys of fear and despair, With promises from His Word and prayer.

Level the mountains of arrogance, pride, Let humility be your faithful guide. Make the crooked places of willfulness straight, Open the gate,before it’s too late.

Clear out the rubble of yesterday’s sin, Let the work of new life begin. Sweep clean the heart,make a royal plain, For the Savior to come and forever reign.

This is not a work of your hand and your might, But surrendering to His Spirit’s light. Allowing His plough to break up the ground, Where the thorny,bitter roots are found.

So let every heart be prepared and made ready, Let your spirit be steady,your hands be steady. Make straight the way for the King to appear, In your heart,in your home, in this very year.

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A Prayer to Make Straight the Way

Lord God,

I hear Your call to make straight the way. I want to prepare a highway for You in my heart and in my life.

Search me, O God, and know my heart. Reveal any crooked way within me. Show me the valleys of doubt that need to be filled with Your truth. Show me the mountains of pride that need to be leveled by Your grace. Show me the crooked paths of my own will that need to be made straight by Your Spirit.

I repent of my sin. I choose to forgive those who have hurt me. I surrender my plans and my pride. Come, Lord Jesus, and rule in my heart without rival. May my life be a straight, clear path that points directly to You.

Use me to help prepare the way for others to see You, know You, and worship You.

In the name of the Coming King, Jesus, Amen.