What steps can we take to prepare for "all flesh" seeing salvation? Setting the Scene Luke 3:4-6 recalls Isaiah 40:3-5, where John the Baptist cries, “Prepare the way for the Lord… and all humanity will see God’s salvation.” The promise is sweeping—“all flesh” (Isaiah 40:5, LXX)—yet the call is personal. Scripture shows practical steps we can take so that our lives, homes, and churches become clear highways for that salvation to be seen. Recognize the Scope and Urgency • Salvation is offered to every person (1 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Peter 3:9). • Today is “the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). • Grasping that breadth and urgency fuels every other step. Clear the Road through Repentance Luke 3:3,10-14 lays out John’s first demand: repentance. • Admit sin without excuse (Psalm 32:5). • Turn decisively—change mind and direction (Acts 3:19). • Keep short accounts with God; don’t let potholes deepen (1 John 1:9). Level the High Places: Humility “Every mountain and hill made low” (Luke 3:5). • Dismantle pride by daily remembering our unearned mercy (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Serve unnoticed and prefer others (Philippians 2:3-4). • Refuse self-promotion; exalt Christ alone (John 3:30). Raise the Valleys: Restored Worth “Every valley shall be filled in.” • Receive your identity as God’s child (Romans 8:15-17). • Encourage the overlooked so they, too, can see salvation through you (1 Thessalonians 5:14). • Speak Gospel value over the broken (Isaiah 61:1). Straighten the Crooked Paths: Practical Obedience • Align speech, finances, and relationships with Scripture (James 1:22). • Replace shady shortcuts with integrity (Proverbs 10:9). • Submit stubborn habits to the Spirit’s power (Galatians 5:16-25). Smooth the Rough Places: Peace and Reconciliation • Pursue peace with everyone as far as it depends on you (Romans 12:18). • Forgive quickly; hostility obscures the view of salvation (Ephesians 4:31-32). • Cultivate gentleness; rough edges repel seekers (Colossians 4:6). Bear Fruit Worthy of Repentance Luke 3:8: “Produce fruit….” • Generosity to the needy (v.11). • Honesty in vocation (v.13). • Contentment and fairness (v.14). Living fruit validates the message and readies observers to behold Christ. Proclaim the Coming King “All flesh” will not see unless someone tells (Romans 10:14-15). • Share your testimony naturally. • Support missions and evangelism. • Invite neighbors into Scripture conversations (Acts 8:35). Anchor Everything in the Word • The Word reveals salvation (2 Timothy 3:15). • Daily reading keeps the highway markers clear (Psalm 119:105). • Memorize key promises to offer others (Isaiah 55:11). Live in Expectant Hope • Fix eyes on Christ’s return when every eye will see Him (Revelation 1:7). • Persevere in holiness, “hastening the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11-12). • Let hope overflow in joy that attracts the watching world (Romans 15:13). A Closing Charge Prepare the way, keep the path clear, and invite everyone onto it. As we repent, humble ourselves, walk straight, and proclaim boldly, the promise stands: “all humanity will see God’s salvation.” |
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