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, "Who are these people robed in white, and where did they come from?" I said to him, "Sir, you know." Then he told me: These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They 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
Then he said, "This is what the Lord says: 'Dig ditch after ditch in this wadi.' For the Lord says, 'You will not see wind or rain, but the wadi will be filled with water, and you will drink-you and your cattle and your animals.'
Preparation » Preparation precedes blessing, general illustrations of » No oil until the vessels were gathered
Then he said, "Go and borrow empty containers from everyone-from all your neighbors. Do not get just a few. Then go in and shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour oil into all these containers. Set the full ones to one side."
Preparation » Preparation precedes blessing, general illustrations of » No healing until the leper had dipped seven times
Then Elisha sent him a messenger, who said, “Go wash seven times in the Jordan and your flesh will be restored and you will be clean.”
Preparation » Preparation precedes blessing, general illustrations of » No reconciliation without repentance
Even now- [this is]*The bracketed text has been added for clarity. the Lord's declaration- turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in faithful love, and He relents from sending disaster.
Preparation » Preparation precedes blessing, general illustrations of » No harvest until the ground had been broken up
and reap faithful love;
break up your unplowed ground.
It is time to seek the Lord
until He comes
on you like the rain.
Preparation » Preparation precedes blessing, general illustrations of » No messiah until the way had been prepared
A voice of one crying out:
Prepare the way of the Lord in the wilderness;
make a straight highway for our God in the desert.
make a straight highway for our God in the desert.
Preparation » Preparation precedes blessing, general illustrations of » No resurrection until the stone is removed
Martha, the dead man’s sister, told Him, “Lord, he’s already decaying.