Scripture: Matthew 3 v 1 - 3: "In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight."
John the Baptist had a strong prophetic anointing on his life. In Matthew 11 v 13 - 15: "For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.
14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come.
15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear."
Jesus said that John the Baptist was Elijah for those who were able to receive this revelation, which made John a powerful prophet. He knew that the Messiah was about to arrive on the scene, that the Kingdom of Heaven was close to manifesting on Earth, and that people should repent of their sins.
He echoed Isaiah in saying, Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight. And now we are come full circle to the knowledge that Jesus is on His way back and we need to repent and prepare for His arrival.
Jesus said that when He returned He wondered if He would find faith on Earth. The apostasy or falling away from the faith is well advanced, but those who are steadfast remain faithful.
Matthew 7 v 13 - 15: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
Jesus said that many would be deceived. That is the absolute truth but we need to secure ourselves by removing blockages to obedience to the Word of God. Jesus said that by our traditions we make the Word of none effect. Our traditions are based on major deceptions, but we would rather cling to them than conform to the Word.
The word "strait" means strict moral obedience. Narrow minded means excluding the filth of the world, lewd jokes, porn, gossip, slander, demeaning people who aren't exactly like you, committing fraud and scams. Christians are the New Creation, a whole other type of person. Be one of the few that find the narrow way that leads to life.
We are no longer ONLY human or just human. That's a cop out. We are the Temple of God. In us dwells the Godhead of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We must walk and talk and be a vessel of honour all the time. We have the nature of Jesus called the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5 v 22 - 25: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."
We must make our lives straight by knowing the scriptures and conforming to them. We are not promised a rose garden but every trial is a lesson that shapes us into the Body of Jesus Christ, becoming like Hm in nature, in treating every other Christian as true family. What we do to others will be done to us, by God. So if you want love, joy, peace then share those traits towards others.
It's uncomfortable to go against what has been traditional and people have no idea what the consequences might be. I, for one, have made up my mind to not give the enemy opportunities to blindside me. As a Watchman I must convey any dangers to the possible victims whether you hear, receive and obey it, or not!
Personally, discovering what pleases God, and doing it, has been such a blessing that breaking with traditions that displease Him has been much easier than I thought.
Long years ago I read Jeremiah 10 v 1 - 4: "Hear ye the word which the LORD speaketh unto you, O house of Israel:
2 Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.
3 For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe.
4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not."
Although the Lord was telling this to the House of Israel, it still applies equally to all of God's people. He says its a heathen practice to cut a tree out of a forest, bring it home and decorate it with silver and gold......yet Christians all over the world do this every year, stick a pretty angel on top and are thrilled to bits. It became a handy place to stack the presents for the delight of Christmas morning.
Does this tradition make the Word of God of none effect? Is it one of the broad ways that lead to destruction? Firstly, we bring up our children to believe a lie. Christmas has become an idol, meaningless to God, but many people pour their whole lives into having a great Christmas. Pagan cultures also celebrate Christmas. You need to decide if its really honouring God.
If we must make His paths straight, and we must, this is a good place to begin. I think Jesus was born at the time of Rosh Hashanah in mid September. It's a Jewish Feast and means "When the heavens are opened!" That seems more appropriate plus warmer weather for sheep and shepherds. We can celebrate His birth every day by being obedient and showing love to the less fortunate through caring and sharing.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to sift out pagan traditions with their lies and deception from our lives so we can please You with our obedience. We want Your favour upon us Lord and it takes hard decisions to make changes. I pray that those who read this understand what it means to You, Father God, to show this love to Your Son. In Jesus' name. Amen.