‘Prepare the way of the Lord’
Scripture reading: Luke 3:1-18. Text from Luke 3:15: “As the people were in expectation, and all men questioned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he were the Christ,” Revised Standard Version. “The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ.” New International Version.
On the third Advent Sunday let the suspense of the people evoked by the ministry of John the Baptist help our Christmas preparation.
THE FIRST AND UNIQUE ADVENT AS PROCLAIMED BY JOHN THE BAPTIST.
John the Baptist was the last prophet, the link between the Old and the New Testaments, who not only prepared the way of the Lord, Luke 3:4/c, but also baptized Him. John the Baptist’s service and sermon was in one word: PREPARATION!
The expression “in expectation” or “waiting expectantly” (see our text) in the original Greek text is only one word and it means wait for, look for, expect, live in suspense, or be on watch. See Acts of Apostles 27:33.
Although the people’s expectation was high, full of suspense, and motivating, they had misunderstood the message of John the Baptist when they “questioned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he was the Christ.” John’s corrective message was needed to make the situation clear, see Luke 3:16-17.
ALTHOUGH WE KNOW MUCH MORE THAN JOHN’S LISTENERS DID, WE TOO NEED TO BE CORRECTED.
Mistakes had been made not only by the listeners of John the Baptist but almost every generation has had its share of misconceptions. What are our shortcomings as we are waiting, that is preparing ourselves, for Christmas?
WAITING versus PROCRASTINATION. We cannot speed up the arrival of Christmas or shorten the Advent season yet it does not necessarily mean that we have ample time to repent and turn to God because it is still true: “‘Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.'” Matthew 24:42. The difference between waiting and procrastination is the same as between to yield and give it up.
EXPECTATION versus DEMAND. We have all the privilege to expect the most from God, Matthew 7:7-11 and John 16:24, but nowhere can we read in the Bible that we are entitled to demand. The worldly tactics definitely influence us to reach our goal or get what we want. We are taught we can strike, apply pressure, go to court, threaten with retaliation, etc. However, concerning God we must have attitudes of humbleness, patience, faithfulness, respectfulness, and thankfulness.
PREPARATION versus BUSYNESS. One of the definitions of the Christian life is PREPARATION. “Prepare the way of the Lord . . .” preached John the Baptist, 4th verse, and every Advent is a preparation to receive Him. Obviously there are other preparations in our lives too. Many preparations such as studying to earn a diploma, getting ready to establish a family, and saving enough for the retirement keep us busy. However, the often used excuse of “I AM BUSY” is not valid and acceptable when we should be preparing ourselves to welcome Christ or meet our Maker. Please read Luke 12:13-21.
SURPRISE versus DISAPPOINTMENT. Pleasant surprises are not unknown to Christian living: “‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him.'” 1 Corinthians 2:9. Also Hebrews 11:40/a. The world also promises but seldom delivers, at least in the long run, but for disappointments and disillusionments we have had more than our fair share. Please let us be logical and rational; if we are procrastinating, demanding, and constantly busy doing something else what can be the final result? Let’s try to do the opposite; let us wait creatively, expect some spiritual gifts (and not only for ourselves!) as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23, and be involved in the right preparation, and the delightful surprise will come sooner or later.
King David had the right idea, long before Jesus’ arrival, concerning the spiritual waiting and preparation: “Lead me in thy truth, and teach me, for Thou are the God of my salvation; for Thee I wait all the day long.” Psalm 25:5.