Make straight the way of the Lord.

John 1:19-23, And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

John knew exactly what his role was, as prophesied by Isaiah, that he was to proclaim the coming King. He clearly knew that the one to come was not only a prophet or a preacher, but one “whose sandals I am not worthy to untie” as would the lowest servant. Even though we have received him, we have just such a position; like one writer observed we are like one beggar telling another where to find bread! It’s not very flattering, it is simply acknowledging the position of Christ that John proclaimed, as King of King and Lord of Lords. And like John we can “make straight the way of the Lord,” and that we must decrease that Christ may increase!

We proclaim your name, giving thanks that you are our risen King!

ESV Lectionary