September 2 Preparing the Way

  September 2

Preparing the Way

1 Kings 18:33-35 He arranged the wood, cut the bull into pieces and laid it on the wood. Then he said to them, "Fill four large jars with water and pour it on the offering and on the wood." 34 "Do it again," he said, and they did it again. "Do it a third time," he ordered, and they did it the third time. 35 The water ran down around the altar and even filled the trench.

MANY of you are familiar with the praise and worship song, "Days of Elijah". The first words are

"These are the days of Elijah

Declaring the word of the Lord,

And these are the days of Your servant, Moses

Righteousness being restored

These are the days of great trials

Of famine and darkness and sword

Still we are the voice in the desert crying

Prepare ye the way of the Lord!

Behold He comes, riding on the clouds

Shining like the sun, at the trumpet's call

Lift your voice, it's the year of Jubilee

Out of Zion's hill, salvation comes."

The words are a general understanding of Scripture's teachings. They point to the prophetic word being spoken through the ages in order to prepare mankind for the Day of the Lord, when Jesus will come in final judgment and salvation upon the earth.

    What God is about to do through Elijah on Mt. Hermon in Israel is a very small illustration of that final Day of the Lord. Elijah has prepared Israel for a grand demonstration of God's salvation. Out of the "hills" of Zion - of Israel - on that day God came to judge idolatry and to deliver his people from evil. From the hills will come the terrifying and good news that God judges evil and saves the righteous.

    The Word of God is the source of your preparation for the day you will stand before Jesus. Are you hearing the Word of the Lord? Do you know salvation in Jesus Christ as come from Zion's hills? Or are you wondering, "Who do I follow?"

Prayer: Holy Spirit, prepare me for the Day of the Lord. Teach me to be your teacher to help others prepare. In Jesus' name, amen.