God does nothing without preparation. Before He created the earth, He prepared the universe (heavens). Before He created Adam and Eve, He prepared the garden of Eden. Before He sent the flood, He instructed Noah to prepare an ark. Before He created Israel, He spoke to Abraham and called Him out of His homeland. Before making David king, God had prepared the kingdom for him. Before the judgment and exile of Israel and Judah, God sent the prophets. And before sending His own Son, God the Father—after four centuries of relative silence—sent John the Baptist to prepare the people for the ministry of the Messiah.

It has been over two millennia since these events: 2,000 years. In that time God has sent apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Why? He has been planting and harvesting His Church, building His living temple, the Body of His Son, in the heavens and on the earth. If you believe in Jesus Christ, that includes you!

Since the Word of God is living and active, what do these verses speak to us today? Well, as has already been shown, God is at work preparing. What is He preparing for now? The return of Christ—Jesus is coming back! And there is a mission here on earth for those who believe in Him. Do you think these words are only for John the Baptist? Are they not for us as well? Has the Father not made us the messengers of the Kingdom? Is it not our task to prepare the way of the Lord and to make straight paths into the hearts of those who do not know Him—those who are not prepared to meet Him?

Church, saints of the living God! You are the mouth, the eyes, the ears, the arms, the hands, the legs, the feet—the members of Christ’s Body here on earth preparing the people around you for His return. Let’s make sure we aren’t just letting the work of preparing fall on the pastors. The Lord hasn’t just called us to wait for His return in a pew. He wants (and is pleased) to use us for His glory in the lives of others.

Father, thank You for Your Word which reveals Your heart and mind to us by Your Spirit. Thank You for sending Your Son to save us and thank You for the promise that one day He will come again to take us home. Help us, Father, to be messengers to all You give to us. Cause us to fulfill the work You have prepared for us to do so that as many people as possible enter into the joy of Your salvation. In the Name of Your beloved Son, JESUS, Amen.