Our scripture today is Mark 1:1-8, taken today from the Common English Bible (CEB).
The beginning of the good news about Jesus Christ, God’s Son, happened just as it was written about in the prophecy of Isaiah: Look, I am sending my messenger before you. He will prepare your way, a voice shouting in the wilderness: “Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight.” John the Baptist was in the wilderness calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins. Everyone in Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went out to the Jordan River and were being baptized by John as they confessed their sins. John wore clothes made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. He announced, “One stronger than I am is coming after me. I’m not even worthy to bend over and loosen the strap of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
John calls the people to “prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight” (v. 2), a quote from the prophet Isaiah. What does it mean to prepare a way for Jesus? We must understand that our call to do His work is the same now as it was then.
John told the people that the Lord was coming. We know that He is coming again. While we may not know when, we know why – to judge humanity according to their faith and obedience.
Are we ready for His return? Have we prepared not just ourselves but a way for all to know Christ? He has called us to be partners in His ministry, sharing the Good News of God’s love and salvation with everyone. May we be prepared to welcome Him when He appears.
Loving Lord, in Your mercy You sent Jesus to save us, to teach us the way to live and to tell everyone the joy of our connection to You. Help us to await His return patiently and eagerly, following the lessons He taught. Amen.