John the Baptist - part IV

“And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed” (Luke 6:17-18). This passage of the Bible lets us see that a prophet does not only preaches does not only preach the gospel but also rebuke sins and deals with the dominion of darkness. A prophet is not like the cowardly human kingdoms who dare not speak the truth. John the Baptist judge King Herod. He rebuked the king for unlawfully having his brother’s wife. Obviously, the mission of a prophet includes upholding justice and rebuking unrighteousness. When our Lord Jesus was on earth, He also rebuked the kings of their wrongdoings, and for this, He suffered many afflictions and persecutions.

“Immediately the King (Herod) sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother” (Mark 6:27-28). John the Baptist rebuked Herod and the adulterous woman Herodias, who hated him. However, Herod knew that John was a just and holy man, and that he should fear him, protect him, and listen to him. But one day this foolish king threw a birthday party for himself. The daughter of Herodias danced before him, and pleased him. So the king promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist!” What a wicked generation! They beheaded a great prophet over such a trivial manner. Therefore, the Lord Jesus said, “Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they wished.” For the sake of God’s will and for testifying for the Lord Jesus, this great prophet eventually sacrificed his life and finished his course on earth.

This latter Elijah was martyred, but today’s latter-day Elijah will be caught up in glory. Will he be caught up alone? No. This Elijah will make ready all the churches and saints so that we will all be changed and caught up together at the last trumpet. Therefore, let us be faithful like these two latter Elijah. After we have accomplished and fulfill God’s will, we will be caught up together with the latter-day Elijah in victory. Hallelujah!