“Prepare The Way For The Lord…!”

“Prepare The Way For The Lord…!”(Lk.3:1-9).
The ministry of John the Baptist began during the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, Philip was tetrach of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias was tetrach of Abilene. It was during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiphas.
These were people whose words were law at their various levels. But the word of God came rather to John, a nonentity who spent his time in the desert, dressed like a typical bushman.
God does not need big names and big title holders to cause a spiritual revolution. If the political and spiritual statusquo of the time were commendable God would have chosen any of the big names above to announce the preparation to receive the Messiah. As it is, John the herald and Jesus himself came rather to upturn the political and spiritual landscape. What a suicide mission!
Even when the people thronged to hear John and recieve baptism, he addressed them, “brood of vipers!”
John told them what by extension we are told today, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”
Yes dear friend; as we fix our gaze towards the commemoration of the incarnation of Jesus Christ, a voice is still calling, telling us,“Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him…And all mankind will see God’s salvation.”
This means we should be spiritually upgraded by producing fruit worthy of repentance. It is not enough for all mankind to see God’s salvation; rather we should each work out our indivual salvation. For that is the only way by which we become beneficiaries of God’s salvation.
Sunday prayer: Holy Spirit help me to produce fruit that is worthy of repentance. Amen!
Have a blessed Sunday! Peace be with you!
Rev. Babila Fochang.