17 DECEMBER

 PREPARE THE WAY

“Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill brought low...”
(Luke 3:5, NKJV)

John the Baptist came preaching true repentance to prepare and clear the way for the coming of the Messiah. He called out, as we believers are required to call out today, to those who were depressed with the guilt of sin and challenges of life.

We are called to direct people who are in the valley of sinful darkness to the marvellous light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As they exercise their faith, they will be filled with divine consolation from Him. Jesus brings encouragement and fills the hearts of believers with spiritual joy, hope and eternal life.

On the other hand, the proud who raise themselves as mountains by trusting in their abilities, self-righteousness and riches – forgetting that it is God that gives them power to make wealth – will be brought low. Like the Pharisees of John’s time, those who look with disdain and contempt on others, especially the poor and lowly, will have their loftiness and haughtiness brought low.

As we grow in our faith and are changed from glory to glory, Jesus Christ alone in His person, grace, and righteousness, is exalted. Wise Solomon rightly wrote that pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall (Proverbs 16:18).

ACTION: We are called to prepare the way for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Therefore, let go of all things that weigh you down spiritually and prevent you from labouring faithfully for God’s Kingdom.

PRAYER: Father in heaven, help me to uproot every tendency in me that opposes your will or hamper my spiritual growth.