“Prepare The Way For The Lord!”

“Prepare The Way For The Lord!”
Among the Bali Chamba the title “Gwan” (Nkom) comes with specific roles. Gwanvalla for example means the Gwan (Nkom of death). This simply means that when a funeral is one in which a Fon has to give funeral clothe, Gwanvalla should be the responsible representative of the Fon to lead the Fon’s delegation to that funeral. The titles of some nobility assign them to serve as pathfinders – scouts – (Yetfanna); meaning they lead the way so as to clear any danger before the Fon.
Sometimes however, people may glory in a title without seeking to know the reason for the name attached to it. As such they may take delight in being around those of the coterie surrounding the Fon. Also, a Chanba Fon may not even know that there is some misplaced responsibility since the names are often only suggested to them by some elders.
What I’m struggling to say is that titles connotes assigned roles. Misguided and conceited people would pose as masters where they are supposed to be servants. The story is told of a girl who came to the headquarters of a church asking for the second in command of that church. Incidentally she was asking from that next in command himself. When probed to describe the person, it turned out the person was a driver who tried to impress the girl by saying he was a”big man!”
Such hypocrites abound everywhere.
When the Jerusalem authorities heard of the unauthorized exploits of John the Baptist they sent a delegation “to ask him who he was.” John confessed freely, ‘I am not the Christ.” They wanted to know if he was Elijah who had returned – since he did not die – or whether he was the Prophet. His response was negative. So they probed further, “What do you say about yourself?”; to which he replied, “I am the voice of one calling in the desert. Make straight the way for the Lord”(Jn.1:19-28).
My friend this text reminds us that as we approach Christmas we should not become conceited and assume the role of Christ when we are just messengers who come to announce his coming. We are servants of Christ and should be regarded as such! We have been entrusted with the secret things of God. Having been given such a trust, we must prove faithful. We should work with a clear conscience, judging no-one before the appointed time. We should rather wait for the appointed time when the Lord comes.
When he comes “he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God”(I Cor.5:1-5).
So therefore, as a christian be a herald for Christ in the manner of John the Baptist as a true servant!
Sunday prayer: Lord endow me with a humble spirit to acknowledge that I’m just a tool in your hand in proclaiming your kingdom. Amen!
Have a blessed Sunday! Peace be with you!