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Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the LORD! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!  --Isaiah 40:3

What makes a highway rough . . . disuse, misuse, neglect, or overgrowth?

What makes a path crooked . . . weeds, cutting corners, taking short-cuts?

When Scripture says to make straight a highway in the desert, it is an announcement that something of great value is coming in the near future. These are words of comfort to those who are desperate for change, and words of warning for those who have been neglectful and slothful. It is a call to put aside, to cut out anything that may hinder the path from being, clear, smooth, and open for the good that is about to arrive.

The good that is about to arrive and change everything is Jesus. He will make the last first; the first last. The humble will be raised up, and the proud will be made low. Jesus will make all things new and put all things right. Our role is to get ready to receive with open arms this amazing turn of events.

What paths need straightening in our lives? Where is there disuse and neglect? What have we allowed to grow in our lives that cover the clear path of the Holy Spirit? Let us examine our lives and be open to areas where we may need to repent. Repentance clears the weeds, straightens the path, and opens the way for the Holy Spirit to use us and to build in us.

Let us prepare the way for the Lord. When the valleys are raised up, every hill made low, when the rough ground is made level and the rugged places plain, then we will see our Lord face to face.