‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.”
When opportunities come, those who are
ready can seize them. When the storms of life come, those who are ready
survive. It takes effort to get ready. It takes a willingness to sacrifice a
little ease and pleasure now to have a great benefit long term. Getting ready
requires intentionality, foresight, and even risk. We can work hard to get
ready for something that never happens. Yet, those who are ready get the
reward.
John the Baptist’s mission is summarized in
this quote from Isaiah. All the gospels talk about the necessity of his coming
to get people ready. He was like the coach working his team hard in the off
season so they will be ready to win the playoffs. Athletes who want to win may
not see the direct connection of those hours in the weight room when others are
out sitting by the pool, but when it matters, those who are ready win. There
are three kinds of time use: 1) Getting ready, 2) playing to win, or 3) unfruitful
time. John warns us not to spend much time in that third category.
John’s mission involved challenging people
to change their hearts and their behavior and go public with that commitment
through baptism. He gave both the warning and the promise of Jesus’ coming.
There were winners and losers. Those who were ready won when Jesus came by
welcoming him into their lives. Some chose to ignore John’s message. Most of
those ignored Jesus’ invitation. They missed their chance.
I have the privilege of helping students
get ready to fulfill their callings. It takes time, money, and a lot of work.
Yet, students who take the effort get themselves ready change the world when
their time comes.
What
time is it for you? Are you getting ready or is time to play to win?
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