foreshadowed through the Roman invasion of Jerusalem and the destruction of the second temple in 70 CE . As Yochanan ( John ) stated , those who received the Messiah were immersed in the Holy Spirit , a baptism visibly indicated by tongues of fire . Thus , we see fire connected to both John and Elijah ’ s ministry , but in a different form .
With that in mind , since the ultimate fulfillment of the day of the Lord is yet to occur , we can expect God to release Elijah ’ s mantle in the last days as well . To put it practically , God is calling you to become a prophetic voice for the Kingdom in your generation by declaring the good news of the Messiah . Though it may seem out of your comfort zone , remember that James reminds that Elijah was an ordinary man of like passion as we are .
THE WILDERNESS
In closing , the last detail I want to mention is the fact that Yochananpreached in the wilderness . This was the fulfillment of Isaiah ’ s prophecy which said :
“ The voice of one crying in the wilderness , prepare the way of Adonai .” ( Isa . 40:3 )
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The desert was Israel ’ s consecration ground and the place of their first love with God . For instance , in Jeremiah we read :
“ I remember the devotion of your youth , the love of your betrothals , your following after me in the wilderness …” ( Jer . 2:2 )
Since theTeshuvah also means to return , it is only fitting that Yochananwould be stationed in the desert while calling Israel to return to Adonai .
On that note , when speaking to the believers in Ephesus , Yeshua Himself also compelled His people to return to their first love ( Rev . 2:4-5 ). I believe this word is still calling to the body of Messiah today . Only by repenting and returning can we truly see an outpouring of the Spirit that will revive the desolate places and usher in the coming of Messiah ( Acts 3:19-21 ). Such an outpouring will ultimately lead to Tikkun Olam , the restoration of all things , and the establishment of the Edenic vision God had from the very beginning . Therefore , let us hearken to the voice in the wilderness , which proclaims :
REPENT , RETURN AND PREPARE THE WAY FOR ADONAI . THE KING OF KINGS , THE LORD OF LORDS ! Maranatha !