May is the month we celebrate Memorial Day, when we commemorate heroes who have fought in battle for our freedom.
One of my personal heroes is Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was known for his courageous leadership during World War II. His battle-tested skill equipped the troops to reclaim Europe. Soon after returning to the U.S. as a hero, he was elected president.
While in Europe, Eisenhower had experienced the danger and difficulty of navigating the twisting roads. So, for the sake of U.S. national security, he commissioned a network of roads that became the nation’s interstate highway system. Mountains were tunneled through and valleys were traversed by mammoth bridges.
In ancient times, conquering kings gained access to newly acquired territories through highways built for their troops. Isaiah had this in mind when he declared, “Make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Isaiah 40:3). And John the Baptist called people to repentance to “prepare the way” into their hearts for the arrival of King Jesus.
Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. —Isaiah 40:3
All too often the road that stands between us and our King is less than smoothly paved. Difficult situations have twisted the path, and painful experiences have left expansive valleys. Unfulfilled hopes and dreams stand like mountains before us and obstruct our ability to keep our eyes on Him.
What preparation needs to be done to allow Jesus unhindered access to your own heart? Are there rough places of bitterness that need the bulldozer of forgiveness? Are there valleys of complaining that need to be filled with contentment? Are there sins twisting the way that need to be repented? We can’t afford to neglect this spiritual engineering. Let’s prepare the way for the King!
Way maker
Miracle worker
Promise keeper
Light in the darkness
That is who you are
© 2016, Sinach.
Repentance clears the way for our relationship with the King.
