A Voice of One Calling in the Desert

Luke 3:3-6, NIV
“3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. 5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. 6 And all mankind will see God's salvation.' "


As we grow older, we become more forgetful, and our memories fade away. However, we must never forget Jesus Christ, the only purpose of our lives. Christmas is coming, when Jesus came to earth. As we look at the coming of Jesus, we should renew the determination in our heart to serve Jesus Christ.
　
　
1. A voice of one calling in the desert (Lk 3:3-4).
John the Baptist was a precious son to Elizabeth who conceived him in her old age. Before he was born, his parents were visited by an angel, who told them that John the Baptist would bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God (Lk 1:16-17). After the prophecy, he went out in the desert, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, to prepare the way for the Lord (Lk 3:3). The world is full of extravagance and pleasure. But all we hear from the world is nothing but worry, anxiety, and concern. On the other hand, we feel lonely in the desert. However, there we find grace, joy, love, and the peace of the Lord. Moses and Jesus Christ began their missions after they heard the voice of the Lord in the desert. By praying, singing hymns, and reading the Bible, we need to go out in the desert of God and hear the voice of the Lord who speaks to us.


2. Prepare the way for the Lord (Lk 3:4-5).

John the Baptist called out in the desert to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. As Christmas approaches, many people are getting ready for Christmas events. Christmas is the day when Jesus Christ came to earth in the flesh to save man. It is a day of joy and blessing that indeed changed the history of humankind. What kind of preparations are you making for Christmas? Are you ready for this day? Most of all, we need to be ready to receive Jesus Christ in the center of our heart. With rejoicing and thanksgiving, we need to prepare the way for the Lord in our heart (Php 4:4). Through the love of Jesus Christ and the power of His precious blood, every valley of wounds, a sense of inferiority, and frustration shall be healed and filled in (Lk 3:5). Every mountain and hill of pride and self-praise shall be lowered when we become humble. We must ensure that only the life of Jesus Christ will become great in our lives (Jn 3:30). A crooked mind shall be straight; a rough mind shall be smooth.


3. All mankind will see God's salvation (Lk 3:6).

God will give His amazing gift of salvation to those who are ready to receive Jesus Christ in their heart. In addition, all the nations of the earth will see God’s salvation and the glory of the Lord through the work of redemption on the Cross, on which Jesus died for our sins (Isa 52:10).


God will do all the work and accomplish everything. Therefore, I hope that we will all prepare the way for the Lord in spirit and power, just like John the Baptist and Elijah. I pray that we will all receive God’s blessing and become His precious servants.