Go! And… Prepare The Way Of The Lord - Isaiah 40:3 Series

Go! And… Prepare the Way of the Lord - Isaiah 40:3

By Dean Courtier

Isaiah 40:3 (NLT): “Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, ‘Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!’”

Introduction: The Voice That Still Calls Today

In the days of Isaiah, the people of Judah were weary. They were exiled, broken, and spiritually adrift. They had heard of God’s promises but felt far from His presence. Into that spiritual wilderness came the thunderous voice of hope—“Prepare the way of the Lord!”

That same voice echoes through time and speaks to us today. In a world filled with moral deserts and spiritual wastelands, the call remains the same: “Prepare the way for the Lord.”

Before revival ever sweeps a nation, before renewal transforms a heart, there must first be preparation. There must be repentance. There must be a clearing of the way—for Jesus, our Saviour and King, is coming into the hearts of those who make room for Him.

1. The Prophetic Context: A Promise in the Wilderness

Isaiah 40 marks a shift in the tone of Isaiah’s prophecy—from judgment to comfort. After thirty-nine chapters of warning, we hear God’s voice of consolation:

“Comfort, comfort my people,” says your God. (Isaiah 40:1 NLT)

The wilderness here was both literal and symbolic. Historically, the Israelites would soon face exile in Babylon, surrounded by idolatry and despair. Spiritually, the wilderness represented their separation from God due to sin.

In Hebrew, the word “midbar” (????????)—translated “wilderness”—refers not only to a barren place, but also to a place of dependence, where one must rely entirely on God. The wilderness is where human self-sufficiency dies, and divine sufficiency begins.

It is no coincidence that John the Baptist—the forerunner of Christ—would later appear in the literal wilderness proclaiming this very verse, fulfilling it in Matthew 3:3 (NLT):

“The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said,

‘He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, “Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!”’”

Malachi 3:1 (NLT): “Look! I am sending my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his Temple.”

Malachi reinforces Isaiah’s message, showing God’s plan to send a messenger—fulfilled in John the Baptist—who would prepare the way for the Messiah. The Hebrew word “mal’ak” (????????) means both “messenger” and “angel,” highlighting that this was a divine appointment, not a human initiative.

Just as John prepared the way for Jesus’ first coming, we, as Christ’s followers, are called to prepare hearts for His second coming—by proclaiming the Gospel and living holy lives.

John Piper once said, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”

When we make room for Christ, when our satisfaction is rooted in Him, we clear the spiritual clutter that blocks His glory from being seen in our lives.

2. The Highway of Holiness: Making Straight the Path

The prophet commands: “Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God.”

In ancient times, when a king planned to visit a region, workers would go ahead to level roads, fill potholes, and remove obstacles so the king’s journey would be smooth.

Spiritually speaking, God’s highway is built in the heart. Sin, pride, bitterness, and rebellion are the crooked roads and rough terrain that hinder His presence. The call to “make straight” is a call to repentance.

Luke 3:4–6 (NLT): “Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him! The valleys will be filled, and the mountains and hills made level. The curves will be straightened, and the rough places made smooth. And then all people will see the salvation sent from God.”

The Greek word for “prepare” in Luke 3:4 is “hetoimazo” (?t??µ???), meaning to make ready or to make fit. It conveys intentional effort. Preparation requires work—it is a conscious act of surrender.

Are there obstacles in your heart today that block the King’s way? Perhaps unforgiveness, secret sin, or spiritual apathy. The Lord cannot travel on a road littered with pride. He seeks a straight path of humility, repentance, and faith.

Charles Stanley once said, “Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.”

True preparation means trusting God enough to obey Him—even when it costs us comfort, reputation, or control.

3. The Voice Still Cries Out: Repentance Is the Gateway to Revival

John’s cry was not a gentle whisper—it was a shout of urgency: “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near!” (Matthew 3:2 NLT).

Repentance is not merely feeling sorry for sin; it is turning from it. The Greek word “metanoeo” (µeta????) means to change one’s mind and direction. It is a 180-degree turn—from sin to God, from darkness to light, from self to Christ.