Ways and Paths - what is repentance?

Matt 3:1-9

"In those days" signifies the timing of the Lord. God's time for Christ to appear was at hand. We find Malachi 3:1-3 this prophetic prediction. John the Baptist was indeed the "messenger who will prepare the way before" coming of the Lord.

What was John's message? Repentance! The reason? "The kingdom of heaven is near." When God draws near we must meet Him with repentance, a turning from our sinful ways. Repentance means a "change of mind", a new way of thinking.

Some approach the things of God with no intention to leave their sinful ways. Such people only meet with the wrath of God. Thus, John spoke of such hypocrites as a "brood of vipers." There must be the fruit of repentance, a turning away from sin towards God. "He who confesses and forsakes his sin shall obtain mercy".

Verse 3 speaks about "preparing the way for the Lord." One thinks of a way as being open, obvious and public, like the autobahn in Germany. All the hills and valleys have been levelled for cars to travel freely along these highways. Ways are often open sins which are obvious to all such as drunkenness and promiscuity. All and sundry know the character of these sins because they are so open and visible. However, "paths" represent the little tracks which are not so obvious. When a hound gets the smell of an animal it barks and follows the track, even though it is invisible to our sight. Secret sins must be repented of. Those "ways" which are devious and hidden from the sight of others must be exposed and repented of.

Do not flee which the Lord draws nigh for He is willing to forgive and make new. Jesus Himself cleanses His children "as a refiner" with His refining fire. He will refine His children as "silver and gold".