Malachi 4:5-6

Malachi 4:5-6 (ESV): “5 “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. 6 And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”

Prophecy is given by God as a means of revelation and discernment. It not only reveals the sovereignty of God but also the things to look for concerning the Second Coming of Christ.

Malachi ends his prophetic revelation with a promise of the return of Elijah. Elijah was a preacher of holiness and the fear of God. He upheld the law of God against the wicked leaders Ahab and Jezebel. Though he was taken up in a chariot of fire, he is prophesied to return as a sign that the Second Coming is near. John the Baptist came in the spirit and power of Elijah, but the literal Elijah is still to come. He will very likely be one of the two witnesses in Revelation 11.

Isn’t it wonderful that we don’t have to guess about where we are in God’s overall plan? For six thousand years, God has been prophesying and fulfilling His promises. He invites us to understand and discern the times concerning His coming. Elijah is a sign that the return of Christ is near. That truth is not meant to frighten us, but to encourage and steady us.  Consider the signs of the times through the prophetic Word of God, Christian. Time is short, so look up, for your redemption draws near. Amen?

Father, great and glorious are You, O Lord. Thank You for giving us signs to look for concerning Your coming. May we be found faithful when You return or call us home. We pray in Jesus’ name, amen.