Elijah's influence continued even after his ascension into heaven. Jehoram, the king of Israel received a letter from the prophet seven years after his ascension, indicating that the king would be punished severely for his sins. - 2Chr. 21:12-15 -
The prophet Elijah understood that the nation of Israel had a mission to preserve its religious system - the worship of the one true God - in pure form without any mixture with idol worship of pagan lifeless gods such as Baal and Asherah. This uncompromising stand often endangered his life by bringing him into conflict with those in positions of power and authority, especially Jezebel and her followers.
Elijah's impact on the prophetic movement among the Hebrew people was extensive. He stands as the transitional figure between prophet Samuel, and also the adviser and anointer of kings, and the later writing prophets, like the prophets who followed him. Elijah emphasized Israel's responsibility for total commitment to their God and the covenant responsibilities which God and His people had sworn to each other. Both these ideas are more fully developed in later prophets, such as Amos and Hosea.
In later Jewish thought, the messianic age was frequently associated with Elijah's return. The Old Testament spoke of the reappearance of Elijah. The prophet Malachi prophesied that the Lord would send Elijah before the day of the Lord arrived. According to the New Testament, this prophecy was fulfilled in the coming of John the Baptist. - Matt. 11:2-5 -
As they came down from the mountain Jesus gave them this order, 'Tell no one about the vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.' And the disciples put this question to him, 'Why do the scribes say then that Elijah has to come first?' 'True;' he replied 'Elijah is to come to see that everything is once more as it should be; however, I tell you that Elijah has come already and they did not recognise him but treated him as they pleased; and the Son of Man will suffer similarly at their hands.' The disciples understood then that he had been speaking of John the Baptist. - Matt. 17:9-13; Mark 9:9-13 - John the Baptist was similar to Elijah in his preaching as well as his dress and physical appearance. Matt. 11:7-8; Luke 7:24-28 - During Jesus' earthly ministry, some identified him with Elijah. - Matt.16:14; Luke 9:8 -
With the spirit and power of Elijah, he will go before him to turn the hearts of fathers towards their children and the disobedient back to the wisdom that the virtuous have, preparing for the Lord a people fit for him. - Luke 1:17 -
The New Testament also mentions the reappearance of Elijah in person. Along with Moses, he appeared with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration.
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured: his clothes became dazzlingly white, whiter than any earthly bleacher could make them. Elijah appeared to them with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. Then Peter spoke to Jesus: 'Rabbi,' he said, 'it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah. He did not know what to say; they were so frightened. And a cloud came, covering them in shadow; and there came a voice from the cloud, 'This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.' Then suddenly, when they looked round, they saw no one with them any more but only Jesus. - Mark 9:2-8; Matt. 17:1-8; Luke 9:28-36 -
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Sunday, May 24, 2009
I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!
I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.
HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -
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