4:5
We now get the prophecy of Elijah coming before the “great and awesome day of the Lord”. We know from Mark’s gospel that John the Baptist was that prophet, so this should warn us against over literalistic interpretations of passages regarding the last days. We should also note that this part was fulfilled at the first coming of Jesus, so we should appreciate the amazing significance of that first coming.
4:6
The prophet will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Otherwise utter destruction will come from the Lord. Why does he say this? Maybe it is a matter of looking where we are going and where we have come from. The only solid foundation for the future is one rooted in God and in His ways. And the future needs to know where it has come from. Israel has no meaning other than that found in God, without the Lord she would not exist. And the same is true for the whole human race.
No comments:
Post a Comment