I love words and am often so struck by a phrase that I’ll mull it over and over throughout the day. Thus far today, “comets are most visible against the black sky”— originating in Max Lucado’s blog post “Worried Enough To Pray”—is resonating in my head.

 

And circling around in there for the past two days:

 

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!’”

Matthew 3:3

 

I was part of a leadership group, of like professionals, for many years. One of our practices was to share an object, with the group, which had special significance to the sharer. Each member would verbalize an observation about the object; and we would then occasionally relate back to it as we presented a case study. It encouraged thinking outside the box in ways that often brought surprising illumination to the presented study.

 

My brain works in tangential ways; and my words, following my thoughts, often change directions mid-stream—making perfect sense to me, but sometimes disconcerting my listeners. It reminds me of watching a water bug skitter across the top of the pond—you never know its next direction. It’s also a great way for me to inadvertently start a rumor, if not very careful! 🙂

 

That said, I’m considering how Max’s phrase fits with Isaiah’s words—quoted by gospel writer Matthew to describe John the Baptist’s ministry.

 

The time distance between the Old and New Testaments was over 400 years—a very long time for God’s people to not hear from him directly; and a dark and quiet backdrop against which to emblazon a fiery shouting comet:

 

‘Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming!

 

Clear the road for him!’”

 

I jokingly say that I began teaching Sunday school before I was born—not really, but truly for a lot of years. It was tons of work and, in the way God blesses teachers, I learned way more than anyone who ever sat in my classes.

 

I learned over time to pray for my students and to ask the Lord’s Spirit to teach the lessons through me. One of my main objectives was that the Scriptures would become practical and applicable to our daily lives—and not just dressed up Sunday morning words.

 

It’s a practice I work to maintain; because of what use is God’s word to me personally, if I don’t allow him to change me through it?

 

So my takeaway, from the intersection of Max, Isaiah, John, and Matthew’s words, is to allow God’s truths to blaze through my life into whatever darkness surrounds me.

 

Amen and amen.