Prepare ye, the way of the Lord!

"In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea (and) saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"  It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: "A voice of one crying out in the desert, 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.'"" Matthew 3:1-3


John's voice cried out, but he did not say, "prepare," he said, "Repent!"  John did not leave us to wonder how to prepare for our Lord, he told us.  He did not tell us to clean our houses and buy new clothes.  That would not have been crazy, right?  The King is coming!  How should we prepare?  Repent.


John did not wonder who needed to repent.  He did not qualify his command.  Repent, if you are feeling guilty.  Repent, if you want to.  Repent, if you killed someone.  Repent, if your brother won't speak to you.-- No!  The King is coming!  Repent!


Isaiah sings, "Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!"  John clarifies, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"


John understood that Jesus was not coming with pomp and parade to rule as an Earthly king.  I do not know what normal preparations for royalty would have looked like then.  I am sure, however, that John's call must have sounded strange.  Non sequitur.  Preparations for a king are visible.  Clear the road, get out of the way. Clean things up, make everything festive, clean and pretty.  Sound the music.  John did not say any of that.


Jesus want our hearts.  We have to make way for him, just as the prophet insisted.  We clear a path for Christ to enter our lives by repenting.  We open up, push out the garbage, and invite Him in.  This is accomplished through sincere repentance.


How do we prepare now?  Deck the halls, and light the candles.  Play the music.  What king are we getting ready for?  These things are nice, but they will not make us ready.  The King is coming!  Repent!