[The angel
said to Zechariah, "John] will be a man with the spirit and power of
Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the
hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are
rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly." — Lk. 1:17
Israel looked forward to the return of Elijah, the prophet who was to precede the Messiah (Malachi 4:5-6). Since Elijah didn't die but went straight to God, the Israelites believed he would return. On his return, he would continue his powerful ministry of preaching God's truth. His message would unite generations and call the people to life-changing repentance. His ministry would prepare God's people to accept Jesus. The angel told Zechariah that John would be the fulfillment of the prophecy about Elijah's return (Mark 1:1-4). Is it possible to view ourselves and our lives as having a similar calling: help others become open to allowing the Holy spirit to guide them to Jesus? Are we servants of God, driven by the indwelling Holy Spirit so that our words and actions prepare others to know Jesus?
Israel looked forward to the return of Elijah, the prophet who was to precede the Messiah (Malachi 4:5-6). Since Elijah didn't die but went straight to God, the Israelites believed he would return. On his return, he would continue his powerful ministry of preaching God's truth. His message would unite generations and call the people to life-changing repentance. His ministry would prepare God's people to accept Jesus. The angel told Zechariah that John would be the fulfillment of the prophecy about Elijah's return (Mark 1:1-4). Is it possible to view ourselves and our lives as having a similar calling: help others become open to allowing the Holy spirit to guide them to Jesus? Are we servants of God, driven by the indwelling Holy Spirit so that our words and actions prepare others to know Jesus?
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