Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way of the people! Build up, build up the highway! Gather out the stones! Lift up a banner for the peoples.
–Isaiah 62:10
In today’s verse, Isaiah poetically describes and prophecies preparations for the Messiah’s coming.
John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry — His first coming. What does Isaiah say we should do to prepare for Jesus’ Second Coming?
Go out through the gates! As God’s people went through the gates of Babylon, we need to bravely step through the gates of the sinful world.
Prepare the highway for God’s people to return! To do this, the first thing we need to do is develop a close, intimate relationship with Jesus. Be like Him.
Share Jesus with everyone you meet. Let your words, actions, and attitudes demonstrate the loving personality of our Savior. Not everyone will be receptive, but those who are will be your forever family. You will enter heaven together.
Smooth out the road. Don’t let the stones of offensiveness, unforgiveness, and disobedience trip you up. Make sure you live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall (Romans 14:13).
Raise a banner for all the nations to see. As generals set up their flags so the soldiers may know where to go, lift up Jesus wherever you go to whomever you meet (John 3:14).
Prayer
Dear Lord, Thank You for preparing Jesus’ glorious Second Coming. Help me raise the flag of Jesus, leading others to know Him too. In the name of Jesus, the Messiah Who will come again soon, Amen.
Reflection
Am I excited to meet Jesus face to face? What will I do to give others that opportunity, too?