God says, “Rebuild the road! Clear away the rocks and stones so my people can return from captivity.” The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts. Isaiah 57:14‭-‬15

More important than the captivity from which the Israelites were being freed from was their destination. Returning to Jerusalem meant returning to the presence of God. Jerusalem held the Temple and the Temple was where God met His people.

The rocks in the road represent whatever keeps us from God. Distractions can be work, entertainment, pleasure, anything that consumes more time than necessary, the times we could meet with God. If our life is about us, and our schedule and desires, then we are at the center rather than Jesus.

God frees us so we can live in close communion and obedience to Him. This is why the invitation for deeper intimacy with God is only for those who are contrite and humble. It was the Israelites who found themselves in captivity because they had rejected God. We humble ourselves and ask God to help order our lives to make times to be with Him.

Father, help us clear the stones of distraction that get in the way of our access to You. Help us to humbly follow as the Holy Spirit leads away from captivity and into Your presence.