The concept of the "Mission of Preparation" in the Bible refers to the divine calling and tasks assigned to individuals or groups to prepare the way for God's purposes and plans. This mission is evident throughout the Scriptures, where God appoints certain people to ready the hearts and minds of others for His work, often preceding significant events or the coming of pivotal figures.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the mission of preparation is exemplified in the role of the prophets. Prophets like Isaiah and Malachi were tasked with preparing the people of Israel for the coming of the Messiah. Isaiah 40:3 declares, "A voice of one calling: 'Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.'" This passage highlights the prophetic call to prepare spiritually and morally for the Lord's coming.

Another significant figure in the Old Testament is Elijah, whose mission included turning the hearts of the people back to God. Malachi 4:5-6 prophesies, "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful Day of the LORD. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers." Elijah's mission was to prepare the people for repentance and reconciliation with God.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament continues the theme of preparation, most notably through John the Baptist. John is explicitly identified as the one who fulfills Isaiah's prophecy. In Matthew 3:3 , it is written, "This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: 'A voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.''" John's mission was to prepare the people for the coming of Jesus Christ by preaching repentance and baptizing those who confessed their sins.

John's role is further emphasized in Luke 1:17 , where the angel Gabriel tells Zechariah about his son, John: "And he will go on before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." John's mission was crucial in setting the stage for Jesus' ministry.

The Apostolic Mission

The mission of preparation extends to the apostles and the early church. Jesus commissioned His disciples to prepare the world for the message of the Gospel. In Matthew 28:19-20 , Jesus commands, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." The apostles were tasked with preparing the hearts of people across the world to receive the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Eschatological Preparation

The mission of preparation also has an eschatological dimension, as believers are called to prepare for the second coming of Christ. In 2 Peter 3:11-12 , the apostle Peter exhorts, "Since everything will be dissolved in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God." This preparation involves living a life of holiness and readiness for the return of the Lord.

Throughout the Bible, the mission of preparation is a recurring theme that underscores the importance of readiness for God's interventions in history. Whether through prophets, John the Baptist, the apostles, or the church today, the call to prepare remains a vital aspect of the biblical narrative.