Matthew 3

Be Still: Lord, still my heart in your presence today. Open my eyes to see you afresh and my ears to hear you speaking through your Word. Amen

Read:  Matthew 3 

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’  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.’ (vv1-3)

Encounter: Have you had one of those moments where someone texts: ‘Be there in ten!’ and suddenly you’re in a full-blown cleaning crisis? Laundry is being thrown behind doors, you’re shoving random things into the closet drawer and you’re fluffing cushions like your reputation depends on it. You light a candle to make it look like your house always smells this good and pray your guests don’t open the wrong cupboard.

John the Baptist was preaching in the wilderness, and he wasn’t telling people to tidy their homes, but to clear out their hearts. Standing in the dust and heat, he cried, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’  Remove the clutter, straighten what’s crooked, make space for God to come close.

John’s message isn’t about pretending everything’s spotless but it’s about being honest enough to face the mess. Are we pushing pride, distraction, resentment, fear, or something else to the back of the cupboard when God comes knocking?

Before God moves, he asks us to make room. Sometimes we want him to work in our lives, but there’s simply no space for him to move. John’s call is simple and urgent: prepare the way. Straighten the path. Clear the clutter so his presence can come close.

Apply: What is the ‘clutter’ that for you might be blocking the path to God’s presence? Maybe its distraction, resentment, fear, or something you’ve been avoiding? Take a moment to bring those things before God or ask him to show you what those things are. Preparing the way is never about striving for perfection but rather, asking the Holy Spirit to help you clear whatever is in the way.

Devote: Lord, show me the things that fill my heart but leave no space for your presence. Teach me to prepare the way, to straighten the path, and to welcome you in.