Prophetic Voices

Elijah and John the Baptist:

Preparing the Way of the Lord

Base Text: “And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.” (Matthew 11:14)
“Prepare the way for the Lord, make his paths straight.” (Matthew 3:3)

Introduction

God always raises prophetic voices in times of spiritual crisis. In the past, He raised Elijah to call Israel to repentance. Later, He sent John the Baptist, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah, preparing the hearts of the people to receive Jesus.

Development

Elijah faced a people divided between serving the Lord and following idolatry (1 Kings 18:21). He called them to make a clear decision. Similarly, John the Baptist did not preach pleasant messages but called the people to true repentance: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 3:2).

Jesus declared that John was “Elijah who was to come” (Matthew 17:12-13), fulfilling the prophecy of Malachi 4:5.

According to Luke 1:17, John the Baptist came "in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare the Lord a people well disposed." This shows that John was not literally Elijah, but he fulfilled the same prophetic mission, preparing the way for the coming of Jesus.

Today, we also receive the mission of preparing the way of the Lord — not only announcing His return but living in a way that others see Christ in us. As Paul said: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Application

• Live in holiness, rejecting sin.
• Be a voice that points to Jesus, not to yourself.
• Defend truth and justice, even if it brings opposition.
• Announce Christ’s return with faith and hope.

Prayer

“Lord, just as Elijah and John the Baptist prepared the people to hear You, help me to live in a way that my life also points to You. May my words and actions prepare hearts to receive Jesus. Amen.”

Date: 08/25/2025    Location: Maputo/Africa

Signature: Jaime Aurélio Nhandlale

Maputo – Mozambique