The second half of Isaiah is known as “the book of hope” and the first words are “Comfort, comfort my people.” What do you say to one who is suffering, grieving, frustrated, or downcast? Comfort can be offered in the awareness that “God is acquainted with rough places.” In Isaiah 40 we see references to the desert, the wilderness, the valley, rough places, and rugged terrain. The prophet’s exhortation to “prepare a way for the Lord” indicates the Lord’s awareness of and presence in the rough places of life, and his nearness to those in the wilderness. The New Testament writers connect this prophecy to John the Baptist, whose agenda was to help people become prepared to encounter Jesus.
Both Isaiah and John speak of sin, repentance, and forgiveness, because the encounter with God involves a turning of the heart toward God and the love and forgiveness he offers, an invitation into God’s plans for our life. Isaiah and John also speak of preparing a pathway for God, which is also a pathway to God. The people of God have a message to share, but often work has to be done in order to help others be prepared to hear that message. People have rough places in their life, such as material circumstances (poverty) or emotional barriers (abuse) or even medical conditions that are so overwhelming that spiritual messages cannot break through.
Injustice in any form can hinder people from coming to God. Perhaps that is why, as examples of repentance, John said that the wealthy person should share, the government official should be honest, the soldier should not abuse his authority. (Luke 3) The good news can be obscured by our evil ways and unjust systems. As I see it, part of smoothing the rough ground involves confronting evil wherever we find it, most of all within ourselves, but also in the structures and environments in which we live.
Both Isaiah and John speak of sin, repentance, and forgiveness, because the encounter with God involves a turning of the heart toward God and the love and forgiveness he offers, an invitation into God’s plans for our life. Isaiah and John also speak of preparing a pathway for God, which is also a pathway to God. The people of God have a message to share, but often work has to be done in order to help others be prepared to hear that message. People have rough places in their life, such as material circumstances (poverty) or emotional barriers (abuse) or even medical conditions that are so overwhelming that spiritual messages cannot break through.
Injustice in any form can hinder people from coming to God. Perhaps that is why, as examples of repentance, John said that the wealthy person should share, the government official should be honest, the soldier should not abuse his authority. (Luke 3) The good news can be obscured by our evil ways and unjust systems. As I see it, part of smoothing the rough ground involves confronting evil wherever we find it, most of all within ourselves, but also in the structures and environments in which we live.