Prelude
We have arrived again at the
Christmas season.
What are we going to make of
it this year?
Will the world be better
prepared for Jesus this year?
What is our role in this?
Do we find ways to point
toward Jesus??
Or, do we let other things
predominate our thinking??
Introduction
The ancient prophets of
Israel in the Old Testament were constantly reminding people to focus on the
big ticket items in life. Like being humble, kind and just – looking after
vulnerable orphans and widows – loving our neighbour. The ability to live and
serve in this way, always depended upon the strength of the people’s
relationship with God. And … when God was forgotten, and this was revealed in
the people’s lifestyle and behaviours – life for the people of Israel and Judah
usually went pear-shaped. On two famous occasions the kingdoms of Israel were
militarily defeated, and large numbers were taken off to the north into exile
under the control of Assyria or Babylon.
Despite this, prophets like
Isaiah … would also want to remind such people, that, even though they had
rebelled, God had NOT forgotten them, and desired to bring them back into full
relationship with Him. [This all plays out in Jesus' parable of the prodigal son.] Even though they had been attracted to other gods of
various descriptions, and, even though they had often ignored the injustice in
their midst – God still loved them, in the hope that the great potential
created within them could still be brought out (to the good of all). And, as we
recently talked about, God just cannot forget the world He created, and all its
inhabitants (Psalm 24:1). As Alec Motyer wrote, “They have abandoned [God] but
He has not abandoned them; like tiny children they have stumbled in the
uncertain paths of the world and will be bruised by their fall – but they have
a God rushing to pick them up in His arms”.
Our Lord is a missionary God
– who is constantly leading us back to His ways and will – so that others, too,
may find the right road. So, the TRUE prophets like Isaiah, would, along the
way, provide clear insight as to how God would respond and act, bringing direct
challenges for God’s people of all generations … of how to get on board! Part
of this is the repeating call for a change of heart (also picked up in the New
Testament). The forgiveness, that comes out of God’s great heart of love, is
NOT offered begrudgingly, rather, offered in the hope that it will result in
the ongoing transformation of lives toward God’s great purposes.
Isaiah chapter 40
An example of all this is
Isaiah chapter 40 (with similar words found also in Malachi chapter 3). In
verses 1 & 2, Isaiah reflects God’s loving heart. God looks upon what His
people’s lives have become, and can only respond with emotional tenderness (v
2a). This is because, despite their rebellion, and … their own responsibility
for this situation, the results have certainly brought great suffering, and
perpetuated a sense of spiritual desolation. Enough is surely enough, and you
would think that they would want to return to the God of their forefathers, and
to live again in their promised land.
The Babylonian exile has
certainly been a punishing experience. It’s surely time that they have learnt
their lesson. And God is always planning a new season, which will always be
better than the previous or present one. In very well-known past history, God
had planned for a blessed time for the Israelites following their time of
slavery in Egypt; and now God was planning a new season following more recent
defeat and exile. God will surely take the initiative! The relationships people
have with God need to be renewed – and can be renewed!! AND, “A VOICE CRIES
OUT” (v 3a)!!!
“A voice cries out”. This could be the voice of God. This could be
the voice of the prophet … Isaiah. This could be the voice of one
who has heard the call to return to God, and (desperately) wants to find their
way back. This could be the voice of one who is on the way back … and
wants others to come too. In any case, this, I reckon, is a voice of FUTURE
HOPE! This is the voice that communicates … with an ultimate level of
cooperation with God. This is a rally call! Some will join rapidly, others will
take some time, others will need some convincing, others will sadly decline.
But, we need to hear this voice, and we also need to be this voice!!
Whatever our situation, and
in the everyday earthly chaos that sometimes resembles a “wilderness” or
‘desert’, we need to hear what God is on about, grab hold of this, and
partner up with it. God is on the move – it’s time to get the roads ready –
“prepare the way for the Lord” (v 3b)! [We see in any new housing development, how they have to build good roads to provide easy and proper access.] The ‘exiles’ have suffered enough –
their rebellion, sin and trauma has bound them for too long already!! Their
spiritual desolation must be addressed. Rather than just despair at the state
of the world (like we might just throwing our hands up in the air in pointless
judgment), God is preparing the world for a new season!
We should want to be one of
those voices that cry out (in one form or another), “make straight a
highway for our God” (v 3c)! But, more to the point, and much more relevant to
our contemporary situation, we need to live lives of integrity … that say
on our behalf … “make straight a highway for our God”? We need to demonstrate
that God’s new season is working for us (in real and practical ways). Never
forget that the fruit of our lives must always be consistent with the words we
wish to speak.
If we can pull this off in
any sort of credible and noticeable way, joining voices in harmony with God –
there will be evident changes right across our community, right across our
nation, and right around God’s world (refer to verse 4). The depths of the valleys,
and the enormity of the mountains, and the pitfalls of uneven ground, and the
roughness of our environment … will all be levelled, so that life can be lived
again in peace! This is how much a difference God can make to each and every
life He enters.
And … we will all again hear
the call – to be good stewards of the earth, love our neighbour, and be
advocates for the redemption of people’s lives to their Creator! As we continue
to remark on the significance of verse 4 – the low-points, the huge challenges,
the relational tripping-points, the daily grind … can all be levelled out, at
least to the point of gaining new perspective; and more than likely … a whole
lot more, for we know the power of mercy and forgiveness, love
and grace, coming into our lives.
This is where we are captured
by God’s heart of emotional tenderness, and pay that forward … heart to heart.
Ultimately, as more and more people experience the Lord in a transformative way
– more and more the “glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all the people
will see it together” (v 5a). This is why we gather in worship, this is why we
get involved in ministry and mission – that “the glory of the Lord will be
revealed … “. Surely all the peoples of the world, need to know about the
creative might and wisdom of this glorious God – majestic beyond compare!
John the Baptist
We have heard these words
(from Isaiah 40: 3-5) in the New Testament too! Who spoke these words??? John
the Baptist spoke these words (e.g. Mark 1:1-11), in preparing the way for
Jesus’ ministry. Despite a rough exterior, here was a man motivated by the
heart of God for His people. We see John the Baptist’s fearless prophetic
ministry culminate in identifying Jesus as the Messiah. This also culminated in
Jesus being baptised by John in the Jordan river, showing that Jesus (the Son
of God) was fully identifying with humanity, and would be our ‘great high
priest’ (Heb 4:14-16). Then this stunning and breath-taking ministry of Jesus …
was all confirmed by the Holy Spirit falling upon Jesus with God’s
commendation.
John the Baptist, in
everything he said and did, pointed to the One who would bring the “glory of
the Lord” to the earth. John the Baptist sought to “make straight a path for
Jesus”. John the Baptist did this by alerting people to the need to “repent” –
meaning to change their ways, to turn around, in some cases to totally change
direction, to look in a different place for their allegiance. John the Baptist
came out from where he was living in the desert, having very meagre resources
(and an ordinary diet); but a complete clarity of mind – pointing out
that forgiveness was possible! John the Baptist was truly a voice
of FUTURE HOPE. Here was the rally call! Some joined rapidly, others took some
time, others needed some longer-term convincing, others sadly declined.
And despite some concerted
opposition to the ‘new Jesus season’, we read in the Gospels and Acts how
thousands came to believe and follow Jesus over the next decade and beyond.
Now, lest we idolise or elevate John the Baptist too much, and then think that
we couldn’t do what he did – John is quick to put himself in perspective.
Compared to Jesus, John the Baptist was not worthy enough to even stoop
down and undo Jesus’ sandals (Mark 1:7). Yet, John was chosen, called and
empowered – and we are still talking about his role (in preparing the way)
today! The point is: the humble servant … can be used mightily – which
can be any of us, and hopefully … will be … all of us.
Our Christmas Message
We live in that space between
Jesus’ ascension and his second coming. Can we “make a straight path for
Jesus”? To be “straight” here means: unmistakable, level, smooth, and pictures
a journey made without difficulty … with certainty of arrival. So, this is a
path that is NOT confused with hypocrisies or unessentials or disunity. For,
this is the ‘mercy’ highway! Not just any road! In a largely broken, fragmented and polarised
world – it is words of ‘mercy’ that will touch base. “Comfort [encourage] MY
people”, says the Lord (Is 40:1)!!! Speak with emotional tenderness. Speak from
our own lives; that like John the Baptist, have already been encountered by the
saving forgiveness of God. Speak as one blessed by the Holy Spirit. Be
fruitful!
Sadly, there is much about
Christmas, even the fun bits, that tend to mask the Christ Child who came to
save the world!! Don’t expect the Christmas sermons or the Christmas music to
create the “highway” to Jesus alone. The Christmas message of Jesus has to be
lived out with honesty, creativity and integrity. As we again recall Psalm 24,
a pure heart and clean hands are what we need. To be adequately and effectively
preparing, we need to give God our complete loyalty, and defer to Him alone.
The Christmas message of Jesus will NEVER make sense when there is a lack of
mercy and grace evident in our relationships or opinions. The world watches to
see … who the God we worship … is!
Conclusion
Let us prepare the way for
Jesus this Christmas, so that people might see beyond the gloss – and
experience the Christ child … who can actually change everything for the
better! [We prepare the way … for the One … who is 'the Way'!] Let’s echo the voice of FUTURE HOPE that says, “The Glory of the
Lord shall be revealed”, and be expectant that people will indeed experience
the fulness of God’s personal presence – that all people shall see it together,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken”. There is so much spiritual poverty
around us – can we present another alternative … so that this state of
being is fully recognised, and the better alternative can be fully
embraced?!
I was reflecting on the scene
of the two friends of a particular blind girl, trying to describe to her … the
wonderful toy displayed in the shop window. Yet, it is so difficult to describe
something to a person who has never been able to see. So, the antidote
to spiritual blindness has to be demonstrated. We prepare the way for others to
meet Jesus – as our faith, peace, light and joy point to him. Joy to the World
– the Lord has come! Jesus is OUR reason for this season – let’s
make the most of it! As we get ourselves ready for another Christmas, is there
something fresh we can do with our lives or with our homes … that can publicly
display God’s message of welcome, mercy and hospitality? Amen.
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