“Go through, Go
through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; Build up, Build up the
highway! Take out the stones, Lift up a banner for the peoples!” (Isaiah
62:10 NKJ)
through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; Build up, Build up the
highway! Take out the stones, Lift up a banner for the peoples!” (Isaiah
62:10 NKJ)
What a great
message! “Surely your salvation is coming; Behold, His reward is with Him,
And His work before Him” (v. 11). Yet, preparation is a necessary part of
proclaiming the message. In the 21st century, it is still necessary to
“prepare the way for the people.”
message! “Surely your salvation is coming; Behold, His reward is with Him,
And His work before Him” (v. 11). Yet, preparation is a necessary part of
proclaiming the message. In the 21st century, it is still necessary to
“prepare the way for the people.”
We are surrounded by
churches claiming to be the people of God, so one would think that no
preparation would be necessary. In addition, Bibles are available everywhere
and media evangelism is alive and well. So, preparation seems redundant.
churches claiming to be the people of God, so one would think that no
preparation would be necessary. In addition, Bibles are available everywhere
and media evangelism is alive and well. So, preparation seems redundant.
Yet, it is “the
way” that must be prepared. The way has to be smooth and level and
straight. The potholes must be filled in and the stumbling stones removed. In
other words, the Church is called to not only proclaim a great message, but
also to prepare to receive those who will respond positively to the message.
way” that must be prepared. The way has to be smooth and level and
straight. The potholes must be filled in and the stumbling stones removed. In
other words, the Church is called to not only proclaim a great message, but
also to prepare to receive those who will respond positively to the message.
In fact, the
preparation of the way is first and proclaiming the message comes during and
after the preparation is implemented. It seems that all sorts of obstacles can
hinder people from responding positively to the message, even when it is a
message of hope.
preparation of the way is first and proclaiming the message comes during and
after the preparation is implemented. It seems that all sorts of obstacles can
hinder people from responding positively to the message, even when it is a
message of hope.
And let us not
forget that it is a message that must be carried “through the gates.”
Yes, that means outside of our four walls. Outside our comfort zones. Out into
the community and the marketplace where those who need the message are found.
forget that it is a message that must be carried “through the gates.”
Yes, that means outside of our four walls. Outside our comfort zones. Out into
the community and the marketplace where those who need the message are found.
“Surely your
salvation is coming; Behold, his reward is with him, and his work before
him.” Lifting up or waving a banner is a means of attracting attention,
either to your message or to your cause. We still need to signal the peoples of
our world that Jesus has come and will return. Our personal testimonies should
attract them to him.
salvation is coming; Behold, his reward is with him, and his work before
him.” Lifting up or waving a banner is a means of attracting attention,
either to your message or to your cause. We still need to signal the peoples of
our world that Jesus has come and will return. Our personal testimonies should
attract them to him.
Dear Father, thank
you for the banners you wave to attract us to you. Empower me to be an
attractive banner for you and your cause of eternal salvation. This I pray in
the name of Jesus. AMEN
you for the banners you wave to attract us to you. Empower me to be an
attractive banner for you and your cause of eternal salvation. This I pray in
the name of Jesus. AMEN
Wave the banner for
Christ today,
Christ today,