Last weekend at church we started a journey through the gospel of Mark. The story begins with the locust eating, camel hair wearing, voice in the wilderness, John the Baptist. This is a man who understands his assignment.

Before we are introduced to John, Mark calls back to a prophecy from the book of Isaiah: “Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.” (Isaiah 40:3)

A scripture quoted from the Old Testament not only helps us understand the story the writer is telling, but also draws our attention to where the scripture comes from. If we keep reading in Isaiah 40, we get a better idea of how the paths are made straight.

“Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” — Isaiah 40:4-5

Among other things — some political, some mystical — Mark uses this old prophecy to give his readers an idea of what John the Baptist is doing as he cries out in the wilderness.

Through the Spirit of God, John is excavating the access roads to God. No more mountains to climb. No more valleys to get lost in. The terrain is no longer too difficult to trek. The brush has been cleared and the road’s been paved for the arrival of the hospitable God.

John the baptizer stands in the Jordan, the river where God’s people were given access to God’s promise, and points to the God who prepares the way.

In one sense, followers of Christ should find a connection with this messenger. Except for wearing camel hair and occasionally eating honey out of a plastic bear, by our words and actions we also prepare the way for the God who has prepared ours.

Sometimes we are standing in the wilderness drawing people out. Sometimes we are standing in the water inviting people in. But, wherever we stand, we are there because we have already been given access. And as grace builds upon grace, we point to the one who prepared a way for us.

Jesus is the lead excavator. He has torn down walls, flipped over tables and ripped curtains from top to bottom so everyone can have access. Even now, he is actively clearing the roads, making beautiful the paths and opening the gates for all to enter.

So, as you as you go about your week, preparing the way for others — ask yourself: “Am I excavating roads or am I erecting fences?”

How is the Spirit of God working in you to prepare the way for those around you? Consider how God has straightened and is straightening the way for you. Watch what he is doing and go the way that love is leading you.

And as you go, leave the path straight behind you. 

May God bless your excavating!

“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumph, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.”
‭‭— 2 Corinthians 2:14 (RSV)