Isaiah 40:3-5
A voice is calling out: In the wilderness, prepare the way for the Lord. In the wasteland, make a level highway for our God. Every valley will be raised up, and every mountain and hill will be made low. The rugged ground will become level, and the rough places will become a plain. Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh together will see it. Yes, the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for sending not only a voice—John—but also sending us the Word—Jesus. John’s message of repentance is just as important today as it was when you sent your prophet. You desire a change in our hearts for those people who are sad and suffering because of their sins, riddled with guilt for those things they have said, thought, and done; you sent Jesus to remove all the waste of their sins. For the proud person who considers themselves virtuous and upright, above sin, you show them their sins and remove the mountains of pride in their lives. When we lay all our sins at Jesus’ feet, your glory is revealed because you have removed our sin and guilt, all for Jesus’ sake. Because it was your love that established our plan of salvation, Jesus suffered the torment of the cross for all our sins, and it is there that we see your mercy. Lord, we pray that you would level each of our hearts as you see fit according to your holy will, that we would have changed hearts that cause us to love you. Let us share this good news of your love with those around us who do not know you so they will know your grace and mercy through the forgiveness Jesus won. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near. Jesus has suffered your punishment, so you are forgiven of all your sins.