“This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. ”Matthew 3:3 NIV
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/mat.3.3.niv
When you think about the word “straight” what comes to mind? As I was reading this particular verse of scripture in the account of John the Baptist, the word straight paths really stuck with me.
In the account of John the Baptist, he is preaching repentance to the people of Israel. He is warning the people to repent of their sins and to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. John wants the people to turn from their wicked ways, idolatry, and hypocrisy so that they can live a life, which God intended the Israelite nation live.
Now, thousands of years later the proclamation of John the Baptist is no different for us today. As Christians, we are the church and we are called to not only make straight paths for other yet believers, but also to be straight paths ourselves within our Christian walk.
The Bible tells us that no one is perfect (Romans 3:10 & Ecclesiastes 7:20 NIV).
We must pray for others (Ephesians 6:18 NIV)
We must love one another (John 13:34 NIV)
We must love God with all our heart, mind, and strength (Matthew 22:37 & Luke 10:27 NIV)
We must live by the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5: 22-23 NIV)
As I reflect on each of these scriptures, they reveal the straight paths that John the Baptist was referring to.
So, how’s your path? Are you seeking to walk a straight path?
Not a path that is perfect but a path that is submissive to God and seeks His forgiveness, will, wisdom!
My dear friends, it’s never too late to walk on the straight path. God is prepared to accept all who come to Him in the name of Jesus Christ. He knows that we are broken vessels, but He is the only one who can heal us and put us on His path to eternal living.
Be Blessed in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen~