Clearing The Clutter

Nov 30, 2024

series: Making Room

Steve Ellis | December 2024

series resources (free)

The Forerunner

In the dusty wilderness beyond the Jordan River, a man unlike any other stood out against the religious landscape of first-century Judea. John the Baptist, the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, was born into a priestly family (Luke 1:5-7), yet his life defied the expectations of the temple elite. His miraculous birth was foretold by the angel Gabriel, who announced that John would be filled with the Holy Spirit even from the womb and would prepare the way for the Lord (Luke 1:5-17).

John was shaped by the rugged solitude of the desert, shaped more by the harshness of the wilderness than the comfort of priestly robes. His diet of locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4) and his clothing made of camel's hair weren't just eccentric choices—they were prophetic symbols. Like the prophet Elijah, whom he resembled in both spirit and mission (2 Kings 1:8; Luke 1:17), John was a voice calling Israel to repentance, a spiritual alarm waking them from complacency.

By the time John appeared publicly, the people were hungry for hope. Roman oppression loomed, and religious leaders were often more concerned with power than piety. Into this world of despair, John cried out:

Matthew 3:2 (NIV)

“...Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

John's message wasn't soft or comforting but a call to radical repentance. He didn't go to the temple courts but to the wilderness, inviting people to leave behind their cluttered lives and meet God in the raw openness of the desert. This backdrop sets the stage for the call to "prepare the way for the Lord."

Call to Repentance

John's mission echoed the ancient call of Israel's prophets. The Greek word for repentance, metanoia (μετάνοια), carries the idea of a complete transformation—a turning away from sin and a reorientation toward God with regret over the former behavior. But repentance wasn't a new concept for Israel. Throughout their history, prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel called the people back to covenant faithfulness.

Luke draws on Isaiah's words to describe John's role:

"As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: "A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God's salvation.’"

(Luke 3:4-6, NIV; cf. Isaiah 40:3-5)

Isaiah's prophecy describes a massive construction project: valleys filled, mountains leveled, crooked paths straightened, and rough ways smoothed. "When a king traveled the desert, workmen preceded him to clear debris and smooth out the roads to make his trip easier."(2) This imagery isn't about literal roadwork. "In Luke the leveling of the land was a figurative expression denoting that the way of the Messiah would be made smooth because through John a large number of people were ready to receive Jesus' message (cf. Luke 1:17)."(2) The imagery is a metaphor for the work God wants to do in people's lives. The obstacles—pride, sin, fear, and complacency—must be removed so the King can enter.

A Radical Reordering

When the crowds heard John's message, they responded with urgency:

"What should we do then?" the crowd asked." (Luke 3:10, NIV)

John's answers were direct and practical:

Share with those in need.

"Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same." (Luke 3:11, NIV)

Reject greed and corruption. To tax collectors, he said:

"Don't collect any more than you are required to." (Luke 3:13, NIV)

Practice contentment and honesty. To soldiers, he said:

"Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely—be content with your pay." (Luke 3:14, NIV)

John's call to repentance was not abstract or merely emotional. It required concrete action—sharing resources, practicing honesty, and living with integrity. These were tangible ways to "clear the clutter" and prepare for God's arrival.

Clearing the Clutter in Our Lives

Today, our clutter may not be piles of riches or unchecked power, but the distractions and burdens of modern life:

Valleys of worry can fill our minds, weighing us down with anxiety. Jesus invites us to cast our cares on Him:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28, NIV)

Mountains of pride often keep us from fully surrendering to God. Scripture reminds us:

"God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." (James 4:6, NIV)

Crooked paths of compromise lead us away from righteousness. We are called to walk in integrity:

"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." (Proverbs 11:3, NIV)

Just as John called the people to prepare their hearts, we, too, are called to make room for Jesus by removing the obstacles that block His presence.

Preparing the Way for Jesus

How do we prepare the way for Jesus in this season?

Examine Your Heart: Ask God to reveal any clutter—sin, distractions, or pride—that needs to be cleared.

Simplify Your Life: Create space for reflection and worship by reducing unnecessary activities.

Practice Generosity: As John instructed, seek opportunities to share with those in need.

Repentance is the first step in making room for Jesus. It's not about perfection but about creating space for God to work.

A Heart Ready for the King

Isaiah's prophecy, fulfilled in John's ministry, ends with a promise:

"And all people will see God's salvation." (Luke 3:6, NIV)

When we clear the clutter, the path is made straight for Jesus to enter. This season, let's prepare our hearts, smooth the rough places, and welcome the Savior with open arms.

The King is coming—will He find room in your heart?

citations:

2. John A. Martin, "Luke," in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 211.