A Straight Path for Grace

Mark 1:2-3

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way. A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way for the Lord; make His paths straight!”

This verse is a reference to the ministry of John the Baptist, who came to the Jews just before Christ. John’s message was one of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Prior to this, God’s people had depended upon the blood of animals for the forgiveness of sins. With this mind-set, sin was excused as long as you presented an annual sacrifice. If you did your duty of providing your own sacrifice each year, you were considered to be righteous and forgiven.  John’s message challenged this theology by instructing people to repent for the forgiveness of sins.

Repent here is the Greek word, metanoia. It means “to change your mind.” John the Baptist urged the people to change their minds about their sin and to ask for forgiveness, rather than to continue with the attitude that the sacrifice would make everything okay. Indeed, a change of mind was needed for Jesus to bring salvation. Why would they need Jesus if they could take care of everything themselves? John’s ministry was to show them they could not take care of everything through animal sacrifices and to instruct them in a new way of thinking that would embrace the concept of grace.

Before grace can touch our lives, we may have to change our way of thinking about some things. If we are relying upon self-effort in any area, the path for Jesus has not been made straight. We must learn to let go of damaging attitudes, negative thought patterns, and self- sufficient mentalities that drive us away from faith and into fear. We cannot take care of things on our own, and we are in need of forgiveness. We are in need of a Savior and the grace He has to offer. Make the path to your heart straight for Jesus to come today.

Have a blessed day!