“Prepare The Way For The Lord!”

“Prepare The Way For The Lord!”(Jn. 1:19-28).
Tortoise had complied with all the marriage requirements. The day came for him to bring home his beautiful bride. He sent his best friend Lizard to go bring his bride while he stayed behind to make the house cozy.
Lizard went for the bride. He couldn’t resist her beauty. He eloped with her. Tortoise waited and waited. When the truth dawned on him he started chasing the Lizard. Since then the Lizard is on the run and always he lifts up his head to listen whether he would hear the footsteps of Tortoise chasing him.
The world is full of people who pose for who they are not! We have heard stories of drivers who present themselves as bosses. Hackers who create fake accounts, quacks, charlatans, impersonators and impostors all claim to be who they are not.
John the Baptist had carved out a niche for himself. If he had presented himself as the Messaiah many would have believed him and fallen for the scam. But he did not!
He confessed freely, “I am not the Messaiah.” As the people prodded him further he said he was neither Elijah nor the Prophet. He said he was a herald echoing the prophecy of Isaiah, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.'”
If John had become power drunk he would have momentarily enjoyed the role of the Messaiah. In fact, he would have eventually become a rival to Jesus because Jesus was already right there, soon to begin his ministry. John testified, “Among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”
What a great lesson in humility and acknowledgment of one’s role!
Sometimes I wonder whether Jesus recognizes us as his messengers in our flamboyance, opulence and high-sounding titles; amidst tight securities, surrounded by bodyguards as if guardian angels have outlived their usefulness!
Is it not like if Jesus was in our midst today in physical form many would call him a pauper who may not be allowed approach us? And would that not be tantamount to playing the Lizard?
That aside, the testimony of John stands. The Lord Jesus Christ has come and he baptizes with the Holy Spirit(Jn. 1:33).
Let us continue with repentant hearts to believe in him and obey the will of the Father so that his grace may abound for us.
Weekend prayer: Holy Spirit help us to make straight the way for Christ to dwell with us and in us. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.