The day of Preparation

Leaves crunch beneath the feet, vibrant colors of red and yellows abound, and the earthy smell of the terrain fills the air. Shadows grow longer as daylight decreases while the cool night air is blistered by a blazing bon fire. Fall in full swing sharply reminds us that winter is at hand. Preparations for the frigid temperatures include splitting firewood, and lots of it. Water pipes blown out, bushes protected and swimming pools buttoned up for the long winter must happen to be sure, but its that sweet smelling red oak that takes center stage now. Failure to properly prepare will result in great discomfort, unhappy people, and financial burdens that otherwise might not have been. 

Therefore, great attention must be paid to proper preparation. Israel intimately knew about preparation, for they needed to “prepare” every sixth day, the day before the Sabbath. They also had a national holiday in the first month of every year as God commanded them to prepare for the feast of the passover. It was also on this day of preparation in 33ad that Jesus was crucified. To prepare is to make ready, to anticipate and to be ready for. Much like an army preparing for battle, the farmer preparing the soil, the host preparing for banquet, the world for judgement, and the church for the “parousia”. How we make preparation now for the coming of our Lord is directly related to His gospel. In preparation for the trials of this world, in making ready for the flaming missiles of satan, in the planning and training for the defense of the truth we “shod (our) feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace”. Ephesians 6:15. 

This is to literally have made our feet ready to stand against the onslaught of persecution and temptations from the principalities of darkness. Having shod our feet with the strong, secure footing of the Gospel message, the Word of God, will enable us to withstand and be victorious over the long, dark, cold, wintery days the prince of this world throws our way. Knowing Jesus as Lord, submitting to His will, fellowshipping with His saints, and serving Him in His Kingdom will warm the heart and make us ready to receive what he promised when He said, “...I go to prepare a place for you” , that mansion in glory land! O brethren, today is the day of preparation, are you ready?