How should understanding Elijah's role impact our anticipation of Christ's return? Setting the Scene – Matthew 17:10 “The disciples asked Him, ‘Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?’” The Prophetic Backdrop • Malachi 4:5-6 promises: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD…” • Jewish teachers therefore expected Elijah as a literal, identifiable forerunner of Messiah. • Jesus affirms the prophecy in Matthew 17:11: “Elijah does indeed come, and he will restore all things.” Two-Stage Fulfillment 1. First coming – John the Baptist • Luke 1:17: John comes “in the spirit and power of Elijah… to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” • Matthew 17:12-13: Jesus explains John has already come in this Elijah role, and many missed him. 2. Second coming – A future Elijah • Jesus speaks of Elijah still “to restore all things” (v.11), language not exhausted by John. • Revelation 11:3-6 depicts two witnesses, one with Elijah-like miracles (calling down fire, shutting the sky), suggesting Elijah’s personal re-appearance before Christ’s visible return. Why This Matters for Our Anticipation of Christ’s Return • Certainty of Prophecy – Elijah’s predicted appearance—and partial fulfillment in John—proves God keeps His word precisely. – Every unfulfilled aspect assures us Christ’s second coming will be equally literal and certain. • Watchful Readiness – If an Elijah figure appears again, it will be a divine alarm clock. – Mark 13:32-37 urges continual vigilance; understanding Elijah’s role fuels that expectancy. • Call to Repentance – Both John and Elijah preached turning hearts back to God (Malachi 4:6). – Anticipating Elijah means embracing daily repentance so Christ’s return finds us prepared (1 John 3:3). • Encouragement for Bold Witness – Elijah confronted kings; John confronted Herod. – James 5:17 reminds that Elijah was “a man just like us,” encouraging courageous testimony until Jesus comes (Acts 1:8). • Hope of Restoration – “He will restore all things” (Matthew 17:11). – Elijah’s appearance prefaces the final healing of creation (Acts 3:20-21). – This hope steadies believers amid present decay. • Motivation for Persevering Prayer – Elijah prayed and the heavens obeyed (James 5:17-18). – Knowing God will again answer such prayers energizes steadfast intercession for revival before Christ’s return. Living in Light of Elijah’s Role • Take Scripture at face value—prophecies about Elijah and Christ’s coming are trustworthy. • Cultivate a lifestyle of repentance, boldness, and prayer, mirroring Elijah’s ministry. • Stay alert: God may raise up a literal Elijah-like witness just before Jesus’ glorious appearing. • Anchor hope in the assured sequence: forerunner, restoration, King—guaranteeing that “the Lord Himself will descend from heaven” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). |
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