PROPHECIES OF JESUS’ BIRTH: The Messiah Would Have the Spirit And Power Of Elijah

December 15th, 2023

The Birth of Jesus Christ occurs in the New Testament, but its prophetic origins can be found in several passages of the Old Testament. Through the month of December our Devotional Team will take a look at Old Testament Prophecy and the New Testament Fulfillment of the birth and life of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Be encouraged as we celebrate our Savior this Christmas Season!

SCRIPTURE:
OLD TESTAMENT PROPHECY: Malachi 4:5-6
"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. 6 And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”

NEW TESTAMENT FULFILLMENT: Luke 1:16-17
"And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

The people were told that the Lord’s judgment is on the way,
Their hearts will determine whether souls are cursed or saved;

Prophecy declares that a Savior will come and offer an eternal solution,
Yet, who is worthy of this supernatural action, obligation, and duty;

Malachi in the Old Testament foretells that Elijah will be appointed for the task,
His words brought hope and encouragement to Israel for the faithful few to last;

Malachi challenges the sinful and wicked state of the people as an urgent reminder,
However, Elijah is called at this moment for a warning, but the Messiah is coming behind him;

So, Elijah’s purpose was to preach repentance, restoration, and reformation,
Turning souls back to God for that great and dreadful day with anticipation;

A great day as Christ will come in glory,
A dreadful day as the wicked is destroyed;

Therefore, the New Testament fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament,
Luke declares a change of heart, obedience to God, and wisdom for adjustments;

Throughout history, the Lord made sure we were equipped and well-informed,
Prophesy prepared us for when Jesus comes and calls, we will understand how to respond;

As a result, many in Israel turned back to the Lord through prophecy, fulfillment, and preparation,
As we live as Kingdom citizens today, it’s our responsibility to witness to the upcoming generations.

Prayer: Lord, you have been faithful since the beginning of time. Although we may not understand all that is presented in the scripture, our faith and trust must cling to every Word. Thank You for Your Word! In the matchless name of Jesus, Amen.
By Bro. Glenny Z. Moore