PBPC Advent Devotional, Week 1 - Friday
Week One – Hope
Friday
Isaiah 40:3-5
3 A voice cries out:
"In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill be made low;
the uneven ground shall become level,
and the rough places a plain.
5 Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
and all people shall see it together,
for the mouth of the Lord has spoken." (NRSV)
God sent John the Baptist to prepare the first century Jews for the ministry of Jesus. He knew Jesus' message would require a radical change of worldview. Quoting Isaiah, his words sound like the massive earth movers that build an interstate highway. John called people to repent, that is to notice the direction they were heading and make a u-turn, to redirect themselves toward God.
As you reflect on your own life, what earth needs to be moved to make the highway for the Lord? What paths need to be made straight? What valley needs to be filled or raised up? What mountain or hill needs to be made low? What uneven, rough place needs to be made level, plain? Let your imagination run and visualize Jesus in a hard hat seated in a massive vehicle, helping to move your earth. Climb up in the seat beside him and tackle the work together.
Daily Practice
Go outside and pick up a handful of dirt. Let it fall slowly from your hand. Thank God that Jesus has leveled your dirt and made it into a superhighway straight to him.
