Thematic Bible: Preparation precedes blessing, general illustrations of
Thematic Bible
Preparation » Preparation precedes blessing, general illustrations of » No entrance into heaven without cleansing
Then one of the elders asked me, "These dressed in long white robes -- who are they and where have they come from?" So I said to him, "My lord, you know the answer." Then he said to me, "These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb!
Preparation » Preparation precedes blessing, general illustrations of » No water for the army until ditches were dug
and he said, "This is what the Lord says, 'Make many cisterns in this valley,' for this is what the Lord says, 'You will not feel any wind or see any rain, but this valley will be full of water and you and your cattle and animals will drink.'
Preparation » Preparation precedes blessing, general illustrations of » No oil until the vessels were gathered
He said, "Go and ask all your neighbors for empty containers. Get as many as you can. Go and close the door behind you and your sons. Pour the olive oil into all the containers; set aside each one when you have filled it."
Preparation » Preparation precedes blessing, general illustrations of » No healing until the leper had dipped seven times
Elisha sent out a messenger who told him, "Go and wash seven times in the Jordan; your skin will be restored and you will be healed."
Preparation » Preparation precedes blessing, general illustrations of » No reconciliation without repentance
"Yet even now," the Lord says, "return to me with all your heart -- with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tear your hearts, not just your garments!" Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and boundless in loyal love -- often relenting from calamitous punishment.
Preparation » Preparation precedes blessing, general illustrations of » No harvest until the ground had been broken up
Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap unfailing love. Break up the unplowed ground for yourselves, for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers deliverance on you.
Preparation » Preparation precedes blessing, general illustrations of » No messiah until the way had been prepared
A voice cries out, "In the wilderness clear a way for the Lord; construct in the desert a road for our God.
Preparation » Preparation precedes blessing, general illustrations of » No resurrection until the stone is removed
Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the deceased, replied, "Lord, by this time the body will have a bad smell, because he has been buried four days."
Preparation » Preparation precedes blessing, general illustrations of » No vision without obedience
and said to him, "Go wash in the pool of Siloam" (which is translated "sent"). So the blind man went away and washed, and came back seeing.