Consider: Have you ever traveled on a road that was so rough that it made it hard to travel?
Learn:
Luke 1:76-79 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
in the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Zechariah takes the second half of this song to pronounce a blessing on his son. He prophesied about the ministry of his son and his role in relationship with Jesus. John’s main role, according to these words, was to be one who would prepare the way.
How was the way unprepared? Well, when you think about it in relation to traveling on a road, preparing the way would be to smooth out the road, getting rid of all obstructions that might make travel difficult or impossible. We can think of John’s role in a similar way.
John’s preparation is summarized in verse 77, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins The people had a wrong understanding of the work of the Messiah. They thought he would rid them of their enemies, the Romans, to rule in a political way. God was saying that their obstruction was not political but spiritual. It is sin that stands in our way of salvation. We must be made aware of our sin and the forgiveness that God offers before we understand our need for salvation and the peace that God provides. John’s role was to prepare hearts for the gospel that Jesus would preach and still preaches.
Apply: Does your heart need to be prepared? Have you ever understood the depth of your sin and your need for forgiveness from God? I invite you to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. Read more about the greatest joy.
If you do trust Christ as Lord and Savior, how can he use you like John to prepare the way in others’ lives?
I Commend Joy! 