Prepare Ye the Way

The way we live our life, the choices we make either prepare the way for the Lord or the other kingdom.
Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people. Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward [is] with him, and his work before him. And they shall call them, The holy people, The redeemed of the LORD: and thou shalt be called, Sought out, A city not forsaken. Isaiah 62:10-12
He calls us to go through the gates first. This is to lead by word and example. What gospel are people reading when they see my life?
To cast up the highway we must cut a swath through the hindrances, to clear obstacles. This is not passive but if we are to prepare the way for people to meet the Lord, we must remove the stones from the highway. How sobering it is to realize that we put some of those stones there. A harsh word, a critical judgment are just a few of the stones that others stumbled over as they sought that life abundant.
Am a raising a standard or just getting by? If you have ever held up a flag for any length of time, you know how heavy it seems and how weary your arms get. The difference here is we don't do it in our own strength. When we are weak, He is strong.
Years ago when I was involved in politics, I sat in on many city planning meetings. I even had the honor of being appointed by the governor of Florida to serve on a board to meet housing concerns for the citizens. I look back now and laugh for that was wood, hay and stubble compared to the city not forsaken that the Lord is preparing for us.
Until that day though we must "prepare ye the way." This is our call to action.