Wednesday, September 10, 2003 (72)THE PROPHECY CONCERNING JOHN. Jehovah is gracious. Better known and identified as John the Baptist or baptiser. John was to be a source of great joy and delight for his parents. Not only for them but for all who would be influenced by his ministry. He too was to be greatly effective in the spiritual life of many a person. He was to abstain from all intoxicants. From the womb of his mother he was to be anointed and motivated by the Holy Spirit. Lk. 1:15 Many Israelites were to be turned to the Lord under his anointed ministry. He was to create a great religious stir among the people. All with the purpose of preparing the way of the Messiah. He was to be a sign and a witness to the coming of the Messiah. John prepared the nation for the coming of the Christ of God. He influenced the renewal of faith for many in Israel. Lk. 1:16
JOHN WAS TO PRECEDE CHRIST. He was to be motivated by the same spirit and power which was manifest in Elijah. Any and all who are anointed by the Holy Spirit, walk and perform their duties in the same spirit that was upon Elijah. John testified that he was not that Elijah who was to come. John 1:21 There is only one Holy Spirit and he has occupied the hearts and anointed men, in all the ages of time. It is fitting that we consider Elijah at this point of our study. Elijah has never died. He was translated alive into the kingdom of the Lord. 2 Kings 2:11 Elijah appeared, with Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration and they proceeded to carry on a conversation with Him in relationship to His coming crucifixion and departure from this earth. Lk. 9:30-31 Elijah will yet minister on earth ushering in the second coming of the Lord Jesus. As at the time of Christ first visit to the earth, John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, so prior to His second coming, according to the prophecies, Elijah will yet minister to the peoples of the earth and in particular to Israel. Note, Jesus said that Elijah will come first, [the pattern is Elijah, then Jesus] and also that he has come. Elijah is yet to come. In the days of Jesus, John represented that person anointed by the Spirit who proclaimed the coming of the Messiah. Mt. 17:10-12Elijah will yet be a witness before the return of our Lord, and must come first, working all the miracles and manifestation of the Spirit, which are common to men of his stature. As John came in the day of Christ, Elijah will come in these last days, before the second coming of Christ. Mal. 3:1-3 This is not a substitute Elijah, nor some individual who like John will come in the spirit and power of Elijah. The literal, physical man who was caught up to the Lord will take part in those events which portray the closing of the dispensation of the fullness of times. John came, in accordance to the prophecy of Malachi. Elijah will come as the messenger, the prophet, the ambassador of the Lord. He with his compatriot, Moses will minister in particular to Israel but at the same time to the whole of the world. They are the forerunners of the coming of the Lord Jesus. They have a particular and very effective ministry which will be a dire warning to the world of the impending judgments.