"And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him ..."

- from Luke 1:76

Why would Jesus need somebody to prepare the way for Him? I’m not so sure God needed anybody to prepare the way for Jesus, so much as He chose John the Baptist to join Him in His work. God does this still - allows us to join Him in His work - and it is a great privilege!

Each of us, in our own way, has also been called to prepare the way for Jesus. If you are a follower of Jesus, you are one of His representatives and are just like an ambassador to a foreign country. Without ambassadors, it would be hard to know about other countries’ cultures, languages, mores, and values. God lets us be His ambassadors to show the world what Jesus and his kingdom are like.

And of course (and unfortunately) there has been much collateral damage done throughout history in the name of Jesus. This is why it’s essential that we let love be the operative and presiding force in all of our interactions.

Which brings us to the heart of the matter; if we have not prepared the way in our own hearts for Jesus, we will never be able to pull off being his true ambassadors, to express to the world the kind of love that Jesus modeled for us. Yes, the world is watching, but preparation must first start in our own hearts and lives before we can ever be authentic representatives of Jesus.

Where are there places in your heart and life that are NOT good representations of Jesus?

Ask Him to shine a light in those dark places of your heart. He is gentle and humble and He’s NUTS about you!