Over the past 10 years the land behind us has been vacant. We have thoroughly enjoyed the extra space and every Labor Day weekend we can sit on our deck and enjoy the fireworks display put on by our town. Over the past year, our view of those fireworks is in jeopardy. Buildings are going up with several already done. We can still see the fireworks, but each time a new building goes up, the view decreases. It is very likely that by the end of this year, we will no longer be able to sit on the deck and enjoy these fireworks.
John the Baptist talking to the religious people of the time says, "I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, clear the way for the Lord's coming!"
Just like those buildings blocking our view, there are so many things in our lives that compete with knowing the Lord. Things that so easily block our view of Him. He gives us the open invitation to come as we are and assures us that He will meet us there. So what is in the way? In John chapter one the religious leader are critical of John and question him. We know God loves the religious stubborn leaders as much as everyone else, yet there was something in the way in their hearts. As we read through the gospels, we see that something kept the religious people of the time from receiving the gift that Jesus offered to them. John asked them to clear the way. Clear the way for Jesus. Clear the way to their heart - to put aside their expectations, pride, traditions, idols and clear their hearts for the real gift that God had to offer. This is the gift that will satisfy completely now and through eternity no matter what this life holds.
Isaiah 40:3-5
Listen! It's the voice of someone shouting, "Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord!
Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!
Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills.
Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places.
Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed and all people will see it together.
During this Lent season, many of us will choose things to give up. Maybe it is red meat, or chocolate, or TV. Whatever we choose or don't choose, let's make it a point to clear the path to receive all that Jesus brings to us. Lets make the way to see His glory! He came to bring us hope. We simply say, "Yes Lord Jesus, I believe that you did all of this for me. I know that I myself am not enough, but what you did for me makes me enough. You covered me with your sacrifice on the cross, so that I may be your child. Help me to follow you with all my heart and clear away those things that are holding me back."
As we prepare to celebrate Easter, clear the way, the clutter, the busyness, the fear, the expectations and let us simply come with an open heart. He is always more than enough. As Ephesians 3:19 says - "May we experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then we will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God". This is the promise and hope we have in Christ! Fullness of life.
Dear Lord Jesus help us to receive everything you offer to us. Help us to clear the way and follow you. Thank you for being the greatest gift!
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