PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORD

In 1953, Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne of the United Kingdom. The mood was euphoric: World War II was over, the Welfare State was shiny new and we had ‘never had it so good’ (as the slogan ran). The state visits of the Queen to her dominions were triumphal processions. The path taken by her entourage was cleared of obstructions and the kerbstones were painted white. Isaiah chapter 40 is full of hope, promising that Israel and the world could look forward to the coming of Messiah. This would be a new dawn eclipsing any other coming of a monarch to his or her dominions.

But since Messiah’s kingdom is based on righteousness and purity, the preparation for it is more than a matter of whitewash. In his commentary on Isaiah, John Riddle helpfully refers in this context to Micah chapter 6 verse 8: ‘to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God’. To achieve this there must be adjustments, as John the Baptist taught; ‘fruits meet for repentance’. Messiah was duly preceded by His forerunner, John, proclaiming the message of Isaiah chapter 40. What a glorious prospect! But what a tremendous challenge!

Crooked business dealings and relationships are incompatible with participation in Messiah’s kingdom. An exaggerated sense of one’s own importance is an obstacle to serving Him who must always have the pre-eminence; mountains need to be brought low. Ruthless dealings with our associates are rough places which must be smoothed out for Him to move with comfort in His dominions.

We long to see the day when Christ is exalted. Perhaps, more immediately, we long to see conditions in which He is honoured in our own country. Isaiah chapter 40 has practical implications for us. We must remove those things which we value more highly than His approval, our mountains of false hopes and loyalties. We must seek utter integrity in our working lives and personal relationships, remove our crooked places. We must eliminate attitudes and working practices which ruthlessly brush aside opposition to our self-will, smoothing out our rough places. ‘Thy kingdom come’ - and Lord begin in me!