Prepare ye the way.
Preparing the way
When the Pacha of Magnesia went to take possession of his new appointment at Aleppo, he was attended by a large retinue of horse and foot soldiers, and other attendants, to the number of 2,000 persons. The road had been recently repaired for the passage of the Pacha to his government; affording a striking illustration of the Scripture, “He shall prepare the way before Him.” The rough places were attempted to be made plain. (Arundel’s discoveries in Asia Minor.)
The Forerunner
John was Christ’s forerunner, as the ploughman goes before the sower. Before good work can be expected, there must be excitement. The turf-bound surface of communities must be torn up, the compacted soil turned to the air and light. Upon the rough furrows, and not on the shorn lawn, is there hope for the seed. (H. W. Beecher.)