I had a thought a couple of days ago when first reading these words from God’s heart via the pen of the Prophet Isaiah. Several thoughts really, but one overriding theme that keeps skipping around in my mind, trying desperately to shelve itself alongside other holy truths that have come home to roost in my heart. A thought that I could, perhaps, one day use in conversation with others when trying to explain to them the gift of Bethlehem—the incarnation of God.
Have you tried that lately? Tried to explain to anyone in this season of Advent the reason of Advent? Are you, like me, so tangled up in ribbons and bows and undone lists that you’ve neglected your responsibility to be a baptizer like John—a heralder to the coming Kingdom? When was the last time you doused a soul with the life-giving, Living Water that courses through your veins as truth? In the midst of purchases and planning for the perfect Christmas, what plans have you made for the giving of Jesus Christ? The purchase has already been made… gift-wrapped and hung on a tree nearly 2000 years ago. There is no excuse we can offer for missing it, for missing Him. Even more so for giving Him to others. None.
And here’s my thought…
In giving us Jesus Christ, God leveled the playing field for all mankind to enter into a loving, intimate, eternal, and knowing relationship with him.
Jesus came to our desert, to our wilderness, and with his royal witness… with every holy step of progression he took toward us…
the deepest valley,
the steepest mountain,
the roughest terrain,
the rugged places…
all were made level to make entrance for the King.
With Jesus comes stability. With Jesus comes clear and certain revelation. When Jesus points his compass in our direction and makes pilgrimage toward our hearts, there is no obstacle in our past or present that can prevent his arrival. None. The only obstacle that stands in the way of our receiving God’s truth is our stubborn pride—our ridiculous need to be in charge of our own hearts, our own determinations about our tomorrows which, in the end, will lead us straight to the threshold of hell rather than the gain of heaven.
God didn’t create the obstacles that block our path to freedom, readers.
In giving us Jesus Christ, God leveled the playing field for all mankind to enter into a loving, intimate, eternal, and knowing relationship with him.
There is level ground beneath the feet of Jesus. His way is straight, his steps determined, and there is nothing that will prevent him from making pilgrimage to the front door of our hearts.
Advent. The coming of Christ, the Child. The redemption of Christ, the Savior. The forever with Christ, the Lord! The glory of the Lord has been revealed. It’s time for all the world to see it.
Herald Him loudly. Proclaim Him boldly. Take your place alongside John the Baptizer and be the one voice on this desert earth who is willing to make straight the highway for our King. God has leveled the playing field. Time to find your place alongside Him this week. I’ll meet you on the road. As always…
Peace for the journey,
~elaine
Amen. You've given me a prompt and reminder for this season–not that I am caught up in it, more like I take what Jesus did for us for granted quite often. Blessings to you!
How DO you do this? Take the familiar and make it so profound, yet practical?!?
I pray that God continues to anoint your gifts with His power and that you will stay faithful in investing your heart, mind, "pen" and time in communicating truth with life and words.
I love and appreciate you SO much, Elaine!
See!… THIS is what I mean when I say your weaving of words is God's gift! What a powerful expression and challenge this is, Elaine. Don't you EVER think of not writing, and if a writer's block trips you up… ignore it. YOU have the gift of expression in a very rare way. It is both profound, yet clear. That does not always happen with writer's, as you know.
I am SO blessed by these words, and challenged in my own life.
Love you sister!
Love. This. Post. It is beautiful and points us straight to Jesus. Love it. I am going to read the Christmas story right now to center me back on Jesus. Thank you, sweet friend. I desperately needed this today.
Great wisdom from your pen as always my friend!
I've been rather sad lately to see how so many people could really care less that Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas at all ! Last week as I counseled with a client at Sav-A-Life we talked about her being a Christian (which she had marked that she was on her paper work). When I asked then was she 100% sure that if she died she would go to heaven, she answered with "Yes!" When I asked "Why" she responded with "Well, I have never done anything bad enough to send me to hell!" I asked how bad she thought she would have to be and she answered, "Murder someone". Then is when I began my Advent story. I told her that this is why we're fixin to celebrate Christmas…because Jesus came down in the flesh to make a way so that we humans (who can NOT obey all His laws) to be able to have eternal life with Him. Told her about how Jesus has paid for all our sins and that although a lot of people still want to somehow earn their way to heaven, it just can't be done. I pray that during this Christmas season the Holy Spirit will somehow help this young woman to understand that it's not what we do or don't do….it's what Jesus has already done on the cross!
Merry Christmas Elaine!
Marilyn
Elaine, I'm heralding Him through my Christmas cards this year. For right at 30 years now, I've included an original Christmas poem in my cards, and the message of the poem this year lends itself to sharing even more. On the back of the poem, I've included scriptures/help on coming to faith in Christ.
In addition to going to those on my Christmas card list, the poem is being used in our Angel Tree ministry. Yesterday it was given to the families at the party, and this week it will be sent in Christmas cards to the prisoner parents. Sure would appreciate your prayers as those cards go out that the poem and plan of salvation will make an eternal difference in some lives this year. (By the way, I'll be posting the poem on my blog on Sunday so it will be up for Christmas week.)
Great blessings to you and thank you for your prayers!!
This is a beautiful post, Elaine. I do share my faith both in the Christmas greetings I choose and write. I wish I could be more bold in speaking, though–I suppose like most writers, I'm more comfortable conveying my thoughts in the written word rather than the spoken. I'm working on it, though!
May God bless you in this special season.
Love this insight Elaine. I think it's easier to believe that we will live in a way that will reflect His light – give people a chance to hear the Holy Spirit than to actually proclaim the source of the Light in our lives. Love this reminder when the season really is all about Him – isn't everything 🙂
Great reminder, during this busy season. Thank you.
Such a precious post, you bless me as always. I love you my friend.
This was a beautiful post. I have been overwhelmed lately and I was at peace after reading this that Jesus is my stablity and the greatest gift. Thank you my friend
Just the pause I needed…
Elaine,
When I think of writing about what God's gift of Grace has done for me, I realize I don't have the words to do justice to Him. Instead, I turn to Him in humble prayer and thanksgiving, then I come here and read your eloquent words. Thank you for placing your words on my heart.
XOXOXO,
Brenda
wifeforthejourney:
What an awesome invitation God gives to us, to join His road crew for the Christ! What I love about this passage (and how John the Baptist later quotes it in the NT) is that it begins with what we SHOULD DO and then continues with what God WILL DO. Whether or not we choose to be part of "making His path straight" or not, God will still, as you say, "level the playing field." God does not need our help to level and straighten, but He allows Isaiah, John and us the opportunity to share in His holy roadwork!
I'm with Rebecca, you have a gift for making the scripture available to this generation.
~ Billy
What a powerful encouragement and great invitation to proclaim His name to share the precious gift of a Savior.