Smooth and wrinkle free is not the epitome of good housekeeping skills any more than the “white glove test” (white glove test?), but we still use irons on occasion to take out whatever wrinkles remain after the permanent press cycle.
There are a number of places mentioned in scriptures where God evens things out and smooths the wrinkles of man’s making. One such event was the ministry of John the Baptist, foretold by Isaiah the Prophet :
Isaiah 40:4
Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.
This was one way of expressing the bringing of equity to a world filled with iniquity. Preparing people’s hearts for a new Kingdom: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord”.
The Kingdom of God in our lives is pictured like a pressed, clean, garment. White robes without a spot or a wrinkle- the ultimate in carefree and permanently pressed outfits. It comes from a complete change of thinking and living that God implements in our lives through His Spirit.
How do we prepare for such a thing? The preparations that John the Baptist advised are recorded in the following account:
“What should we do then?†the crowd asked.
John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.â€
Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,†they asked, “what should we do?â€
“Don’t collect any more than you are required to,†he told them.
Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?â€
He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.â€
Sing the carol “O Holy Night”.
The Jesse tree ornament is the Dove.
Photo credit: irish_eyes from morguefile.com
