Introduction
In this piece of writing, the testimony of Prophets Malachi and Isaiah about the incarnation of the Messiah and the Savior of the world is discussed.
Elijah, the Forerunner
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the Prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse” (Mal 4:5-6).
According to Prophet Malachi, the Savior would not come except Elijah has first come. Many have taken this to mean that Elijah would have to reincarnate to announce the coming of the Messiah. This was the thought of the Apostles, too. They asked Jesus, why has it been written that Elias must first come? In answering, Jesus said Elias must first come and restore all things, but the truth is that Elias has come already, but they did not recognize him (Mat 17:10-12). The disciples then understood that Jesus was referring to John the Baptist as the Elijah who was to come before the Messiah (Mat 17:13).
It has been written that John the Baptist was six months older than Jesus Christ (Luk 1:36 ) confirming that the Baptist was to come ahead of Christ to prepare His way. It is very probable that some are still expecting the incarnation of Christ Jesus because Elijah has not yet come. It may be too late for them if they have not read the words of Jesus Christ to His Apostles.
The Role and Message of the Forerunner
John the Baptist, the forerunner, referred to himself as “the voice of him that cries in the wilderness” and his message was “prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Isa 40:3). This is evidenced in the Holy Scriptures where it is written:
“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” (Mat 1:1-3).
It was testified by the Prophets that Elijah would precede Christ Jesus and it happened as prophesied. This is one of the areas where the prophets testified about Christ before His birth. The forerunner, being a Prophet, introduced Christ as the righteous Savior to the world.
Conclusion
The birth and the Ministry of John the Baptist as prophesied by the Prophets are confirmation that the Prophets did testify about the Christ. The church should no longer be looking for another coming of Elijah to precede the coming of Christ Jesus.
Prayer
Thank you, God, for your enlightenment. We pray that you continue to illuminate your children to know you more through the Scriptures. In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord. AMEN!