Preparing for the Messiah - Day 14
Turning Hearts Toward the Lord
Luke 1:16–17 (KJV)
“And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God.
And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
Introduction
Before Jesus stepped into His earthly ministry,
God appointed someone to awaken the hearts of His people —
John the Baptist, the promised messenger.
Luke 1:16–17 reveals the purpose of John’s calling:
to turn hearts,
restore relationships,
bring conviction,
and prepare a people ready to meet the Messiah.
This is not just a historical mission —
it’s the ongoing work of God in every generation.
When the Lord is preparing to move,
He begins by preparing hearts.
Reflection
“He shall turn… he shall go before… to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
John’s ministry wasn’t about spotlight or attention.
It was about transformation.
His calling teaches us three important truths:
1. God desires turned hearts.
Before God changes circumstances,
He often changes hearts.
Repentance, reconciliation, renewed love —
these soften the soil for God’s work.
2. God restores relationships.
“Turning the hearts of the fathers to the children”
is a picture of healing where distance, pain, or silence once lived.
The coming of Jesus calls families, friendships, and communities
back to unity and grace.
3. God prepares before He reveals.
John prepared Israel for Jesus.
God prepares us too —
through conviction, clarity, pruning, and unexpected nudges
that draw us closer to Him.
Sometimes we feel that stirring —
a desire to forgive,
a conviction to release something,
a prompting to return to prayer,
a longing to reconnect with God or others.
These are signs that God is preparing the way
for something deeper.
Today, reflect on where God may be calling you
to let Him turn, soften, or ready your heart.
Because when God prepares us,
He is always preparing to bless us.
Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for the way You prepare my heart for Your presence.
Turn me toward You today.
Heal what needs healing,
restore what needs restoration,
and ready my spirit for whatever You desire to do.
Make me part of a people prepared for the Lord.
Amen.
Journal Prompt
Where do you sense God gently turning your heart right now?
Is there a relationship in your life that needs healing or softening?
What step can you take today to prepare your heart for more of Jesus?
Enjoying these daily readings? This series comes from my printed journal, “Preparing for the Messiah: A Christmas Scripture Journal.” Inside, you’ll find all forty Scriptures, reflections, and space to pause, pray, and prepare your heart for Christmas.