Isaiah 40

Lately I've been thinking a lot about what it will be like to be with God in the Kingdom He will restore to us.  Seeing the latest Chronicles of Narnia movie surely didn't help to ease my longing for the return of the Jesus.  In my opinion, C.S. Lewis paints a better picture of the Kingdom of God than any other writer I've read (or watched).  I believe there is much truth in the way he portrays things to "work" - darkness creeping into the heart of man, the duty of man along the journey, and the ultimate power and dominion of God. 

I love how he has a purpose for each character along the way; both in individual development and as a vital piece of the ultimate goal.  Our lives are just like that - each man, woman, and child has a God-given part to play in which we may be effective for the Kingdom.  A very miraculous thing begins to happen as we walk more and more in our God-given gifts, talents, and circumstances: the environment within and around us begins to change.  I begin to see the effect of my actions; I become effective.  People treat me differently, things work when I put myself out there to make them work, and the general response of the world around me is transformed.  All because I have begun to live in the way I was created to live; as an adopted son (or daughter) of the Most High God.  

All of this is well and good because I have turned what could be a very negative life into a very positive one.  This is not any "prosperity gospel" message.  I'm not saying that we all get rich and nothing bad ever happens.  I'm simply saying that the transformation of my mind in Christ (Rom 12:2), and actions based on that renewal, creates an outward transformation of the environment God has placed me in.  Could this be what Isaiah was talking about when he prophesied about the message of John the Baptist in Isaiah 40:3-5? 

    "..prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.  And the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all people will see it together."

John's message to God's people was to make preparations for the appearance of our Lord.  Jesus brought Salvation to earth and descended into Heaven.  But guess what, He's coming back!  In the meantime, God has prepared specific things for us to accomplish while here on earth (Eph 2:10).  The works that He has prepared for me are not only to build my character and reach the lost, they are ultimately to prepare an environment that welcomes His return.

  

We are preparing a path for Jesus in the way we live our life.  The great thing is that we are not alone in our work.  He has left us a helper, His Holy Spirit, to be the very eyes, ears, and voice of God Himself as we make preparations for the return of the King.  I don't mean to diminish in any way the glorious works of God and say it's all about my work here on earth.  It is God who gives me my purpose and my means to carry it out.  Jesus said that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil 4:13). The point that I am trying to make is that I think it's time we start doing all things.