The Lord Has Spoken

"A voice of one calling: "In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord: make straight in the desert a highway for our God"- Isaiah 40:3 (NIV).

I've always known this was a prophecy about John the Baptist, but I had a revelation upon reading it over the weekend (pun intended). The verses immediately following read: "Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken" (vs.4-5). That sounds like the Rapture. That's when all people will see Christ returning. Could Isaiah's prophecy be more than just about John the Baptist? Could it be a prophecy about us as well? John the Baptist said, "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). Are we walking and living in a wilderness? Yes, we are. Should we be telling people to prepare the way for the Lord, that He's returning? Yes we should. That means we are all "a voice of one calling in the wilderness." The question is: Are you using your voice? Because Isaiah says: "For the mouth of the Lord has spoken." When God speaks we should be listening. 

Now I See

"Jesus said, "For judgement I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind""- John 9:39 (NIV).

Jesus does not blind unbelievers; the world does. "The god of this age [the world] has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the Gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God" (2 Corinthians 4:4 ). This pertains to spiritual blindness, not physical blindness. Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder were both blind, both gifted pianists. They had to listen intently to music in order to become so accomplished. Theirs was physical blindness; similarly, spiritual blindness depends on who you're listening to: the Lord Jesus or the world. It's not hard to hear the world, is it? You're swimming in it; how could you not hear it? Where can you listen to Jesus? In the "light of the gospel." That's where the glory of Christ is displayed. Let the spiritually blind pick up the Holy Bible and then they will see. It took years for Ray and Stevie to perfect their gifts. Don't think one perusal of the Good Book will suffice. As time goes by, and your Bible collects dust, even the most ardent believer can slip into spiritual blindness, because the world never stops talking to you. Pick up your Bible, dive deep and listen; make your time with the Lord the desire of your heart and you will both see and hear wondrous things. 

Making Him Known

"No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, Who is Himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made Him known"- John 1:18 (NIV).

I won't say who it was, but I was treated to a dinner years ago by a friend who shared that she believed in Jesus, but that He wasn't God. Many of the world religions recognize Jesus as a prophet, but not the Son of God. The Bible clearly states, as in today's message found in the Gospel of John, that Jesus is God's Son and is, Himself, God. In Jesus, we glimpse the invisible God; the firstborn over all creation (Colossians 1:15). That would have been an excellent time for me to witness to my friend, but did not, because I felt unprepared to defend my faith. I'm older now and wish I had the moment to re-do, because my faith is stronger now. Why? Because of years of reading the Bible. It's spiritual exercise; spiritual armor; spiritual wisdom. Like my body, exercising for a 5K, I have to prepare for these spiritual encounters. It very well could have been that failed attempt at dinner that spurred me on to be better prepared. I hope God placed a better disciple in her path after my silent defense. Remember: Jesus is always our best Model: A close relationship with the Father is key to making Him known.  

Charlie Brown Christmas

"And there were shepherds living out int he fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night"- Luke 2:8 (NIV). 

A Charlie Brown Christmas is 50 years old now and still shown every Christmas season, but did you know that networks had asked Charles Schultz to omit the scene with the Christmas story? If you remember, Charlie Brown was discouraged because of the holiday commercialism. He was directing the Christmas play, when it all came to a head during one of the rehearsals, and he asked if anyone knew the real meaning of Christmas. That's when Linus walked to center stage, the spotlight shown on him, and he spoke up: "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rest."" (Luke 2:8-14). Then Linus said, "That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." I'm so thankful Charles Schultz didn't cave into the networks. What a treasure we would have lost embedded in his animated movie; more importantly, if we don't keep Jesus as our reason for the season, what a Treasure we will have lost. Jesus is the true meaning of Christmas. We need to ponder anew God's great love in giving us His only begotten Son.

Pizzazz

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it"- Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV).

Have you ever seen a video of a small child who had somehow climbed into a toy vending machine? Once inside, they're trapped and cannot get out. All those toys lost their luster quickly. The broad gate, of today's Scripture, is filled with worldly delights, immediate gratification, and temptations galore. Whereas, the narrow gate looks restrictive and minus all the pizzazz the broad gate showcases; but, it's a trap. The broad gate's earthly delights are limited to the time a person is here on the earth; afterwards, that choice leads to destruction. If you seek eternal life, the narrow gate is the only way. Frances Chan once demonstrated earthly life and eternal life using a long white rope. The very tip, about four inches long, was red, representing our time on earth. The remainder of the rope, which you could not see because of its length, represented eternity. So what does eternity showcase: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived" (1 Corinthians 2:9). That's the pizzazz God has prepared for those who love Him; those who choose the narrow gate. Like the child trapped in the toy vending machine, we were all once lured under the same seduction and needed to be saved. Jesus freed us; He is Way; He is the Gate. Wait patiently upon the Lord: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).