SCRIPTURE:
John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’
John 1:23
OBSERVATION:
Before time began, God was already planning this moment. John quotes Isaiah speaking of the person who would prepare the way of the Lord. He prepared the way of the Lord. This speaks to the character of God. God desires us to plan and prepare. He is honored when we plan, and then we surrender our plans to Him. Zechariah 4:10 says, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”
There is something in us, as image bearers of God, that is satisfied when we prepare for something great. This could include a wedding, parties, or any event. When there is preparation, there is a greater chance of it going smoothly. This prods me to think about the preparation that David took to prepare His son to build the Temple. There is something that honors the Lord when we prepare and then surrender our plans to the Lord. Proverbs 16: 3 “Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.”
APPLICATION:
The work must be done, and God loves to see it begin. Part of this work involves planning and preparation. God knew his mission and prepared for the cross. He preached the gospel, He rebuked the Pharisees, He healed the sick, etc. God knew what He was doing. He is calling us to identify the work that we are called and fit for. It’s all in the preparation. Ephesians 5:10 says, “and find out what pleases the Lord.” A big part of our calling is identifying the will of God and preparing to fulfill our small part in the grand design of God.
Planning is necessary to achieve God's will. Therefore, I work, plan, prepare, and surrender it to the Lord. God is pleased to see the work begin. I am called to work towards the will of God on earth. This is what all those found in the hall of faith did. They lived in advance what they would only understand in reverse. Therefore, I will plan, prepare, and accomplish the mission that God has called me to.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, please guide me as I desire to achieve the goals that you have set before me. Amen.
