Preparation for the Lord
Preparation for the Lord2
Isaiah Chapter 17 Preparing the Way of the Lord
By A.B. Simpson0ISA 40:1A.B. Simpson emphasizes the prophetic call in Isaiah 40:3 to prepare the way for the Lord, highlighting the hope of deliverance for the exiled Israelites and the anticipation of the Messiah's coming. He discusses five distinct voices that call for preparation: the voice of divine love and pardon, the voice of preparation, the voice of the Spirit, the voice of faith, and the voice of God Himself. Each voice carries a message urging believers to accept God's grace, remove obstacles in their lives, and prepare their hearts for the coming of the Lord. Simpson encourages the congregation to recognize their need for spiritual renewal and to actively seek God's presence in their lives. Ultimately, he calls for a collective awakening to prepare for the glorious return of Christ.
Luke 3:3
By Chuck Smith0DEU 10:12PSA 118:22PSA 139:23PRO 1:7PRO 9:10ISA 40:3MAT 3:2LUK 3:3PHP 4:8JAS 4:10Chuck Smith emphasizes the need for personal preparation to meet the Lord, drawing parallels between John the Baptist's call to repentance and the need for individuals today to prepare their hearts for Christ's return. He highlights the importance of reverence for God, the necessity of humility, and the call to serve others rather than oneself. Smith warns that without this preparation, one cannot stand before a holy God, and he encourages believers to make straight their paths and fill the valleys of selfishness with acts of kindness. The message is a reminder that the moral conditions of society today echo those of John's time, making the call to prepare for the Lord's coming ever more relevant.