World News in Relation to Biblical Prophecy ── July 26, 2026

Let’s begin with the United Kingdom ── there was a new Prime Minister elected, Andrew Murray Burnham, who assumed office on the 20th of July. He has often been dubbed “the King of the North” ──

July 20, 2026

‘King of the North’ Andy Burnham becomes 7th British prime minister in a decade.

The man dubbed the “King of the North” became the new British prime minister Monday, the latest in a revolving door of leaders trying to halt a decade of political turbulence and economic stagnation in the United Kingdom.

Burnham, 56, was appointed unchallenged after the unpopular Keir Starmer agreed to step down last month following a series of election defeats, U-turns and scandals.

Both Starmer and Burnham come from the same center-left Labour Party, and in the United Kingdom, ruling parties can change leaders — and therefore the prime minister — in the middle of an election cycle without anyone voting.

That said, Burnham has promised radical change after taking office following a morning of royal formality, though he already faces infighting over his Cabinet selections.

Making his first speech as prime minister outside No.10 Downing St., Burnham vowed a “circuit breaker for Britain” that would involve “the biggest changes of the past 40 years.”

(https://www.nbcnews.com/world/united-kingdom/andy-burnham-british-prime-minister-keir-starmer-labour-king-charles-rcna588324).

17 July 2026

Andy Burnham Pledges to “Bring Back Hope” in First Speech as Labour Leader.

Andy Burnham used his first speech as the new leader of the Labour Party to promise a return to “the Labour they once knew”, devoting efforts to rebuild trust in politics, devolve power away from Westminster, and to unite a party he believes have often been too divided by internal battles.

Addressing party members after winning the leadership contest, Burnham said Labour had a “last chance to change” and has promised to put the party’s renewed unity “at the service of people and places who have been waiting too long for politics to let them hope again.”

(https://politicsuk.com/news/andy-burnham-first-speech-as-labour-leader/).

So, Mr. Burnham is pledging “hope” and “change” to the UK. Sounds especially similar to the 44th President of the US, who promised to fundamentally change America ── and indeed he did. He caused ever-greater division and promoted, to the 3rd degree, the LGBTQ+ agenda!

Also, and I’d like to add, since I believe that the soon-coming end of the age is coming soon (based upon our understanding of the LORD God’s 6,000-7,000-year plan), Mr. Burnham will not accomplish his pledge.

“Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name” – Revelation 13:1. The above illustration generated for COJCOM by GPT Image2.

Now, as far as the label “the King of the North,” there is a final one with that very description spoken of in the 11th chapter of the Book of Daniel. So, this final leader from the heartland of a United Europe will promise peace and prosperity. He will make a deal with a small number of people and will gain power (cf. Rev. 17:12-13). He will promise peace at a time of crisis ──

“And in his place shall arise a vile person, to whom they will not give the honor of royalty; but he shall come in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue.” – Daniel 11:21.

Historically, this focuses on Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who ruled the Seleucid Empire from 175 to 164 BC. He seized the throne by intrigue, ousted the priest Onais III, sold the priesthood twice, and handed the temple's treasures to his supporters. This verse 21 paints Antiochus IV as a pretty vile guy──also called “the vile one” who rolls in as a tyrant, taking the temple's treasures and oppressing the people. This is, however, a dual prophecy-- Antiochus IV is the first “vile one”; another will rise again, a future oppressor.

God’s living Word – the Holy Bible – teaches that Europe will NOT continue as it has been. It shows that it will – in this final end-time – reorganize under a dictator of ‘fierce countenance’ who will implement under the auspices of the Catholic Church a totalitarian police state within a United States of Europe.

This same final “vile” leader, who appears at the “appointed time” of “the end,” is described without the ‘king of the North’ title in Daniel chapter 8 ──

“Then it happened, when I, Daniel, had seen the vision and was seeking the meaning, then suddenly there stood before me one having the appearance of a man. 16) And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, who called, and said, ‘Gabriel, make this man understand the vision.’ 17) So he came near where I stood, and when he came I was afraid and fell on my face; but he said to me, ‘Understand, son of man, that the vision refers to the time of the end.’ …

19) And he said, ‘Look, I am making known to you what shall happen IN THE LATTER TIME of the indignation; for at the appointed time the end shall be. …

23) ‘And in THE LATTER TIME of their kingdom, When the transgressors have reached their fullness, A king shall arise, Having fierce features, Who understands sinister schemes. 24) His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; He shall destroy fearfully, And shall prosper and thrive; He shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people. 25) Through his cunning He shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; And he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; But he shall be broken without human means. 26) And the vision of the evenings and mornings Which was told is true; Therefore seal up the vision, For it refers to many days in the future.’” – Daniel 8:15-17, 19-26.

This soon-coming final ‘king’ is also the ‘beast’ spoken of that the ten kings (or, rather, kingdoms ── as the LORD God views earthly kingdoms) give their power to in Revelation 17:12-13.

I want you to pay close attention to what I have bolded in the above end-time prophecy. This ‘king’ shall rise up when “the transgressors have reached their fullness,” which does suggest that this is when the LORD God has had enough of the increasing wickedness of man among the nations such as the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Grave wickedness and evil are increasing in our Anglo-Saxon lands, and elsewhere.

Now, the Book of Daniel specifically shows us that a final ‘king of the South’ (a final end-time Islamic confederation of nations) will arise and make a “deal” with a final ‘king of the North’ ── yet neither will be trustworthy ──

“Both these kings’ hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be AT THE APPOINTED TIME.” – Daniel 11:27.

Today, in these perilous times, events in Europe and the Middle East are occurring that are setting the stage for the final fulfillment of these and other biblical prophecies. And since Islamists are utilizing TERROR as a major weapon ── and they have in their past, as they are today ── God’s word teaches us that terror will indeed be one of the curses that the descendants of Jacob/Israel will have to face for our disobedience unto the LORD God (cf. Leviticus 26:16; Jeremiah 15:8).

In this end-time, something upsets this risen ‘king of the North’ – even though he feels that he had made a “good deal” ──

“While returning to his land with great riches, his heart shall be moved against the holy covenant; so he shall do damage and return to his own land.” – Daniel 11:28.

Historically, verses 25-28 pick up Antiochus IV's return from his Egyptian campaign that was around 169 BC. He swings back through Syria and makes a stop in Jerusalem, where he raids the temple and confiscates its treasures. “Moved against the holy covenant” means that he actively opposed the Jewish people and their faith, attacking the temple and their worship of the LORD God.

So, this verse about his ‘heart being moved against the holy covenant’ refers to the fact that many of the LORD God’s chosen servants are WARNING against what this coming “deal” in verse 27 actually means.

So, at THE APPOINTED TIME OF GOD, there will be something that will trigger the final ‘king of the North’ to attack a final ‘king of the South’ ──

“’At the appointed time he shall return and go toward the south; but it shall not be like the former or the latter. 30) For ships from Cyprus shall come against him; therefore he shall be grieved, and return in rage against the holy covenant, and do damage.’” – Daniel 11:29-30.

I speak of this in a fairly recent conversation I had with AI ──

“Turning the page once again ── let us notice Daniel 11.”

Daniel 11 continues the theme of divine sovereignty over nations and kings. It shows how God orchestrates history, even through the rise and fall of empires. This chapter contains one of the most specifically fulfilled prophecies, predicting events over 375 years with amazing accuracy.

“Oh, exactly, because there have been many ‘kings of the north’ and many ‘kings of the south.’”

Daniel 11 traces conflicts between northern and southern kingdoms, primarily the Seleucid and Ptolemaic empires that emerged after Alexander the Great’s death. Would you like to explore how these ancient power struggles connect to later biblical prophecy? What aspect of Daniel 11 would you like to dive into?

“Notice verse 30, the latter part.”

“ … ‘So he shall return and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant.’” – Daniel 11:30.

Daniel 11:30 describes ships from Kittim coming against Antiochus IV, causing him to withdraw in fear. He then returns enraged, taking action against the holy covenant and favoring those who forsake it.

“Verse 31.”

“’ And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation.’” – Daniel 11:31.

Daniel 11:31 describes Antiochus IV’s desecration of the Temple, setting up the “abomination of desolation.”

“Yes, he took away the daily sacrifices.”

Right, Antiochus IV halted the daily sacrifices in 167 B.C., which helped spark the first Maccabean revolt.

“Yes. The ‘abomination of desolation’ was his sacrificing a swine upon the altar.”

Yes, Antiochus IV’s act of sacrificing a swine on the Temple altar in 168 B.C. was indeed the “abomination of desolation” mentioned in Daniel 11:31. Would you like to explore how this event connects to later biblical prophecy?

“Our Lord Jesus Christ spoke about the “’ abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place.” Indicating a future happening.”

Jesus did reference Daniel’s prophecy in Matthew 24, suggesting a future fulfillment. It’s fascinating how these ancient prophecies continue to spark discussion. It’s fascinating how the duality of prophecy ── having multiple layers ── how Daniel’s vision found its fulfillment with Antiochus IV, but also Jesus points to it as still in the future, yet another layer to unfold. It’s like prophecy has this telescoping quality where one event foreshadows another.

(Conversation with AI Regarding Various Biblical Subjects (Part II))

A final risen Catholic-led European ‘king of the North’ will send military forces into a Jerusalem ── initially as a ‘peace’ mission ── as was spoken about by our Lord Jesus (Matthew 24:15). So, soon after the LORD God’s final end-time prophets, after 3 ½ years of proclaiming unto the world the gospel of the kingdom of God, preaching throughout the world as a witness unto all nations ── the end will come (Matthew 24:14). The official Jewish animal sacrifices will be stopped (Matthew 24:15; Daniel 11:31), and then ‘those who are in Judea (modern-day Israel) will begin to flee to the mountains’ (Matthew 24:16-20).

God’s living word tells us of a soon-coming time of great and massive destruction ──

“ … the coming generation of your children who rise up after you, and the foreigner who comes from a far land, would say, when they see the plagues of that land and the sickness which the LORD has laid [has allowed] on it [such as the great plague of our grave terror attack of 9/11]:

23) ‘The whole land is brimstone, salt, and burning; it is not sown nor does it bear, nor does any grass grow there, like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, which the LORD overthrew in His anger and His wrath.’

24) All nations would say, ‘Why has the LORD done so to this land? What does the heat of this great anger mean?’” – Deuteronomy 29:22, 23-24.

“Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts The land is burned up. And the people shall be as fuel for the fire; No man shall spare his brother. 20) And he shall snatch on the right hand And be hungry; He shall devour on the left hand And not be satisfied; Every man shall devour EPHRAIM, and EPHRAIM MANASSEH; Together they shall be against JUDAH.

For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still.” – Isaiah 9:19-21.

The above certainly appears to describe something consistent with a nuclear explosion or a similar event. Ephraim represents, for the latter days, the United Kingdom and her Commonwealth Nations. Manasseh represents the United States of America, and Judah ── modern-day Israel. It is prophecy for our time!

>>> Also in world news, the United States of America appears to now be “taking care of business” when it comes to the evil and vile Islamic Regime of Iran! (See: The Hill - Trump ramps up threats of major operations in Iran).

Here is some following additional news concerning this “military operation” between the United States of America and the Islamic Regime of Iran ──

Jul 21, 2026

U.S. strikes Iran and Houthis threaten Saudi Arabia shipping as mediators push 10-day ceasefire.

The U.S. completed a fresh round of strikes against Iran … as Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis threatened to impose a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, potentially opening a new front in the Middle East conflict. The latest cycle of tit-for-tat strikes comes amid reports that regional mediators have presented Washington and Tehran with a proposal for a 10-day ceasefire, a pitch that could put last month’s memorandum of understanding back on track. …

“U.S. forces struck Iranian military command centers, maritime capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and air defense systems to degrade Iran’s ability to continue attacking commercial vessels flowing through the Strait of Hormuz,” CENTCOM said in a statement.

It added that commercial vessel transits through the strategically vital waterway were continuing. CENTCOM forces, the statement said, had facilitated the transit of around 900 commercial vessels and 450 million barrels of crude oil through the strait since early May. …

Iran, meanwhile, attacked a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz early Tuesday, forcing its crew to abandon the vessel as it seeks to tighten its control over the waterway, one that typically handles around 20% of the world’s oil traffic.

Kuwait said Iran had attacked several of its power generation and water desalination plants on Monday, causing a fire at multiple facilities.

(https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/21/us-iran-war-trump-hormuz-houthis.html).

18 July 2026

US strikes leave 10,000 Iranians without water as Kuwait desalination plant burns.

Officials said facilities were destroyed as Iran warned countries hosting US forces to prepare for retaliation.

The escalating conflict between the United States and Iran is taking a growing toll on civilian infrastructure, with Iranian officials saying overnight US strikes destroyed a desalination facility supplying drinking water to about 10,000 people.

Hamzeh Pour, chief executive of the Hormozgan Water and Wastewater Company, said US strikes hit desalination pumps and electrical infrastructure in Bunji village, in Jask, cutting off water supplies to 20 villages.

“The supply of drinking water to 20 villages with a population of approximately 10,000 people has been completely disrupted,” Pour was quoted by Iran’s Tasnim News Agency as saying.

Pour called the strikes “a series of crimes and terrorist attacks”, adding that a seawater pumping station and a power transformer serving the Bunji desalination plant had been “completely destroyed”.

“These villages are facing a severe water shortage,” he added.

(https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-strikes-leave-10000-iranians-without-water-kuwait-desalination-plant-burns).

Now, I personally, do not trust Iran’s Tasnim News Agency any further than I can spit! And that's not very far! We should have learned that we cannot trust the Iranians. And like what my sister and I were discussing recently ── where are the thousands upon thousands of protestors raging in the streets of Iran against the IRGC and this vile and evil Islamic regime? We’re being told that they’re still scared! Apparently, there’s more of them than those who support this evil. WHERE ARE THEY?

Yes ── this evil Islamic Regime of Iran believes that it will prevail as their version of Islam proclaims.

This important “military operation” against evil is not over.

God’s living word, in the Book of Isaiah shows us that an Iranian-led confederation of nations will come to cause great damage to JERUSALEM ──

“Elam [a reference to Iran] bore the quiver With chariots of men and horsemen, And Kir [thought to be in the region of modern-day Syria or Iraq] uncovered the shield. 7) It shall come to pass that your choicest valleys Shall be full of chariots, And the horsemen shall set themselves in array at the gate.

8) He removed the protection of Judah. You looked in that day to the armor of the House of the Forest; 9) You also saw the damage to the city of David, That it was great; And you gathered together the waters of the lower pool.” – Isaiah 22:6-9.

Again, not long ago I spoke concerning this end-time prophecy with AI ──

“Well … notice verse 9.” …

Yes. That’s a fascinating verse to explore. I’d love to hear your teachings on how you see this verse playing out in duality.

“Certainly, in connection with what’s happening in the world today ── especially in relation to the U.S., Israel, and Iran.”

That’s an interesting connection you're making between those ancient verses and current geopolitical events. What are you teaching regarding these connections unfolding in today’s world?

These verses are describing Jerusalem’s defensive preparations and the LORD’s perspective on them. It’s addressing the city’s reliance on human strength rather than divine protection.

“Is it not true that ancient Elam was an ancient part of Persia?”

Elam was indeed an ancient civilization in what is now Iran. It became part of Persia when King Cyrus the Great conquered the area around 539 BC.

“What about ancient Kir?”

It was an important city associated with Elam’s history. Kir’s exact location is debated, but it is thought to be in the region of modern-day Syria or Iraq. It was likely the origin of the Arameans, who later settled in Syria.

“Yes. Notice in verse 8, the LORD removes the protection of Judah, which today is modern-day Israel.” …

That’s an interesting theological teaching connecting ancient Judah with modern Israel. I’d be interested to hear more about how you're seeing those connections between the biblical text and current events. …

“Notice verse 9 says that ‘You’ ── meaning the LORD ── ‘also saw the damage to the city of David,’ which the city of David is Jerusalem, and that it was ‘great.’”

That’s an interesting theological teaching connecting the ancient text to Jerusalem. The city of David refers to the original settlement that became Jerusalem, and the verse describes the LORD’s perspective on the city’s defenses.

(Conversation with AI Regarding Elam and Modern-Day Iran).

Truly, truly, with the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, those living in Jerusalem should consider evacuating! (See: our sermon “’ Blow the Trumpet!’”).

An illustration of a dream I had back in 2015. A dream in the night in my head while on my bed, and behold, I saw a young Jewish family on a bright beautiful morning, in which all the males wore yarmulkes, taking pictures. Then as I lifted my eyes, I saw a huge armada of spaceships in low earth orbit in which one very tall commander dressed in silver armor with six huge horns which wrapped around from the back of his head, his face shining like the sun in full strength, stood atop one of the ships looking through a pair of binoculars at the earth.

Historically we see that after Tiglath-Pileser, king of Assyria, took over Damascus, he moved Syrians to ancient Kir (2 Kings 16:9-10). Now, while this does not necessarily mean that “Kir” is a reference to modern Syria ── it is of interest that Syria and Iran are allies. Also, God’s word has the expression “the Syrians from Kir” – Amos 9:7, which is a direct confirmation that ancient Kir will certainly include some Syrians. And the prophecy that “Kir uncovered the shield” appears to suggest that Syria will somehow reduce the effectiveness of Israel’s Iron Dome, or David’s Sling, or Arrow 2 & 3. God’s unwavering word tells us that there is coming a time when “Kir” ── today, Damascus ── will be utterly destroyed (cf. Isaiah 15:1; 17:1). Interestingly, the “house of the Forest” was anciently located in Lebanon—which is exactly where the terrorist group Hezbollah is based out of.

Certainly, a way for Judah (modern-day Israel) to ‘look to the weapons in the House of the Forest’ would be a massive attack by Hezbollah. Though it has become more difficult for Hezbollah’s patron, the Islamic Republic of Iran, to support the group financially. The tightening of international sanctions and the maritime blockade of Iranian ports in April 2026 have caused a near-total paralysis of Tehran’s oil-export economy. Nevertheless, Hezbollah’s multifaceted financial apparatus is demonstrating remarkable resilience. 1

Indeed, Isaiah 22:9 tells us that there is soon coming a time when modern-day Jerusalem, “the city of David,” will be greatly damaged.

Yes, there are various biblical prophecies involving Iran──yet they will never succeed in ruling over an Islamic coalition of nations, but it will, soon, be involved in causing great damage to the capital of Israel ── “the city of David.” □

1 Burman, Iftah, Dr., Hezbollah’s Financing Strategies: Recovering From War With Israel PDF, Foundation for Defense of Democracies, July 2026.

ENOCH & ELIJAH ── Where Are They?

by Leonard V Johnson

A few days ago, I typed up an article “One Came in the Spirit of Elijah──’ If you are willing to receive it’” and I would like to continue with two of the greatest of the LORD God’s prophets ── Enoch and Elijah. In that article I only lightly touched on the fact that the Prophet Elijah was still alive on Earth many years after Elisha had taken the mantle. Yet, God’s living word says that Enoch was “translated” so that he should not see death, and that Elijah went by a whirlwind into “heaven.” Well … in truth, neither one is in the upper heavenly realms today. Where are they?

Enoch Walked with God

We are told some of his genealogy in the Book of Genesis ──

“Jared [Enoch’s father] lived one hundred and sixty-two years, and begot Enoch.

19) After he begot Enoch, Jared lived eight hundred years, and had sons and daughters. 20) So all the days of Jared were nine hundred and sixty-two years; and he died.

21) Enoch lived sixty-five years, and begot Methuselah. 22) After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. 23) So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. 24) And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.” – Genesis 5:18-24.

So, here was a man who pleased the LORD God (the Elohim, the family of God consisting of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ), a man who walked with God. Enoch had faith--because God’s living word tells us, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” – Hebrews 11:6. Enoch walked with God ── which means that he obeyed the LORD God.

No one can walk with the LORD God unless he is in agreement with God and doing their will. The Prophet Amos tells us using a rhetorical question, “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” – Amos 3:3. So throughout Enoch’s generation it has been recorded for us that he──and he alone──was the only person who walked with God. He had walked with God some three hundred years!

Three hundred Earth years is certainly a long time to walk with God. Notice that the Prophet Moses did not record that Enoch was still walking with God. He wrote, “So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years.” So, then Enoch is not still walking with God.

All the days, meaning the length of his lifetime, were three hundred and sixty-five years. Not only part of his days, but “all the days.” If Enoch did not die──if he had been changed from mortal to immortal──and thus continued walking with God, then the Prophet Moses would certainly not have written this passage this way──wouldn’t you agree? Yet, God’s living word is clear: “So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years.”

But what of this “and he was not, for God took him”?

Of course, I’ve heard and seen a whole plethora of interpretations and beliefs on this──from God snapping His fingers and “taking him,” to “Enoch was abducted by Yahweh the alien, picked up in a spaceship!” Does all that mumbo jumbo mean that he didn’t die? Well … multiple millions have been taught that he didn’t die──that he was “taken to heaven” without any proof otherwise.

What is really meant by “for God took him”?

It should be noted that the Prophet Moses did not write that Enoch did not die. What he wrote──and let’s quote the New English Translation here── “And Enoch walked with God, and then he was not, for God took him.” – Genesis 5:24.

The Apostle Paul speaks of this same event by saying ──

“By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, ‘and was not found, because God had taken him’; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” – Hebrews 11:5.

So, God’s word records for us that Enoch ‘was not found, because God had taken him.’ Taken him where? It does not say heaven. Instead, the Apostle Paul wrote, “he was not found.”

Now certainly Enoch was “not found” ── or rather, “translated” as it reads in the Authorized Version. But what does “translated” mean? The word in Greek is “metatithēmi,” which means, “to change (from one place or position to another).” 1

In Acts 7:16, the Greek word for “carried over” is μετετέθησαν (Strong’s #3346) ── the exact same word ──

“And were carried over into Sý-chem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Eḿ-mor the father of Sý-chem.”

So, after Jacob died, his body was “carried over” ── transported, “translated” to Sý-chem where he was buried. That’s what your Bible actually says! Jacob was translated to the place of burial.

This is why the Prophet Moses wrote that ‘God had taken’ Enoch. God had taken Enoch and buried him.

Let’s turn in our Bibles to the Book of Deuteronomy chapter 34. We read how God took Moses from the people, after he died and was buried by God ──

“So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. 6) And He [the LORD God] buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth Peor; but no one knows his grave to this day.” – Deuteronomy 34:5-6.

It was the LORD our God who carried Moses ──or rather, “translated” Moses ── and notice that he was “not found” either.

So, the Prophet Enoch was not changed from mortal to immortal. Instead, he was carried away and not found. Again, “all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years,” and then he died.

Here is something else to ponder ── it’s found in Colossians 1:13. “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.” Well … what Greek word is used here? It’s methistēmi, or methistanō, meaning “to move, remove.” 2 Here God’s living word tells us that His saints are already “moved” or translated into the kingdom of His dear Son, yet we are not immortal. That though we were once part of the power of darkness, we have now been “translated” into the light of Christ.

Having Not Obtained the Promises

The Apostle Paul includes Enoch among the fathers who “died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” – Hebrews 11:13.

What promises? The glorious “hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.” – Titus 1:2.

Indeed, Enoch therefore is among our great fathers who has yet to obtain the promises that the Lord our GOD has promised ── of eternal life and inheritance. The Prophet Enoch, and all His faithful patriarchs and matriarchs, will receive the promises of eternal life upon the glorious and powerful return of our Savior, Jesus Christ ── at the very moment, “in the twinkling of an eye,” that all His saints are changed from corruptible to incorruptible (1 Corinthians 15:51-53; Hebrews 11:40).

The Prophet Enoch is dead. And this is exactly what we are told in God’s living word (Hebrews 11:13). These “all died in faith” ── Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham ── along with all the patriarchs and their wives. Again, “These all died in faith.”

But what about the Apostle Paul saying, “Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death”?

The Death That Enoch Did Not See

Here again, “all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years.” It is reckoned that he lived between 3382 BC and 3017 BC. “By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, ‘and was not found, because God “translated” him.’” He writes nowhere here that the Prophet Enoch did not die. Rather, “Enoch was taken away so that he should not see death.” What does this mean?

Let us keep in mind that there is more than one death spoken of within God’s word. There is the first death that all men are appointed ── “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” – Hebrews 9:27. And there is also a second death ── “Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, …” – Revelation 20:6. So, which death do you suppose the Apostle Paul was speaking of?

The first death ── as I’ve spoken of before, had Adam chose the tree of life, he would still have lived out his days and died; and indeed, we find this did happen, “So all the days that Adam lived were 930 years; and he died” – Genesis 5:5. But would have, after losing consciousness, “in the twinkling of an eye,” been resurrected unto eternal life! Our first death cannot be avoided ──as one of our Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin, quipped, “nothing is certain except death and taxes.” The Apostle Paul was not speaking of this first death. The phrase “that he should not see” is in the conditional sense of the verb ── regarding a future event. It’s not in the past tense. So, this death that Enoch escaped seeing by being “translated” is one that he has escaped from ── because of certain conditions.

Now, did our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, speak concerning a death that we “should not see”? Yes! Let’s notice the Book of John, chapter 8 ──

“’ Most assuredly, I say to you, If anyone keeps My word he shall NEVER SEE DEATH.’” – John 8:51.

Did our Lord Jesus mean, “they will be abducted by Yahweh the alien, and taken off to heaven”?

Again, John 11:26 ── “’ And whoever lives and believes [on] Me SHALL NEVER DIE. Do you believe this?’”

So, this is a death that we can come to “not see” upon the condition of ‘keeping His word – keeping His commandments, statutes, ordinances, and judgments.’ Again, our Lord Jesus asked, “’ Do you believe this?’”

The Prophet Enoch had faith. He believed the LORD God, and walked with God, and obeyed. In keeping His commandments, including our great God that became our Savior and the only begotten Son of God – our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord did not speak of Himself but spoke what the Father commanded Him (John 14:10). Thus, Enoch met the conditions and “shall never die.” The second death shall never touch Enoch.

Now you can surely see and hear what God’s Spirit is saying concerning “translation.” “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony that he pleased God.” – Hebrews 11:5, KJV.

Enoch, the same as all of our Lord Jesus’ true saints are, was “carried over” from the power of darkness in which he had been living (apparently for his first sixty-five years). He was “translated” from the ways of the world and came to live three hundred and sixty-five years. So, what “translation” is spoken about within God’s living word is on condition of faith? The one we read in Colossians 1:13 ── “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.”

This is a “translation” of our heart and mind──carrying us over from spiritual darkness that this world is covered with and brought into the glorious light of our Lord Jesus Christ! In verse 10 the Apostle Paul explains that – since the day we heard it, we should not cease in praying (not only for ourselves, but also) for our brethren, that they may be ‘filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; and that they may walk worthy of the Lord, fulling pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and INCREASING in the knowledge of God.’ And I pray that you do. The Prophet Enoch certainly walked with God.

So, then Enoch, the same as all true Saints of God, was “carried over” ── “translated” from the power of sin and darkness and brought into the glorious light of the same hope of all our fathers (2 Corinthians 4:13–14), so that he might inherit eternal life upon our Lord Jesus’ powerful return and that he should not suffer the second death. And not only was our beloved Prophet Enoch figuratively “carried over” from the society of his day, but he was also literally removed ── “translated” ‘because God had taken him.’

The LORD God physically took them away from the people, just as they would later take the Prophet Moses. And the LORD God buried each so well ── their sepulchers have not been found to this day.

An Untimely Death

Lamech, his two wives, and the Prophet Enoch (Genesis 4:23-24) (AI-generated)

Let’s notice again Genesis chapter 5, and verse 23 ── “So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years.” Yet, as you continue chapter 5, the shortest lifespan besides Enoch’s is Lamech’s at seven hundred seventy-seven years. And the longest lifespan was Methuselah’s at nine hundred and sixty-nine years.

And yes, I am aware that many biblical scholars think these ages might be lunar months, not solar years. But we absolutely believe that these were literal years ── there was no pollution, no processed foods, and no chemicals we’re exposed to today. Plus, they probably had better genetics since they were closer to creation. It makes logical sense that proper self-care could have helped them live longer lives. Still, we’re certainly working against a lot of environmental challenges than our early patriarchs and matriarchs faced. Also, some researchers actually think higher oxygen levels could have played a role. There is some evidence that increased atmospheric pressure and oxygen content can affect cellular aging. But here, the Prophet Enoch only lived three hundred and sixty-five years. Clearly, Enoch had an untimely death. What might have happened? Does God’s living word give us any clue?

Methushael Begot Lamech

Lamech, a seventh-generation descendant of Adam, was Cain’s lineage’s first known polygamist, boasted to his two wives, Adah and Zillah ──

“’ Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; Wives of Lamech, listen to my speech! For I have killed a man for wounding me, Even a young man for hurting me. 24) If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.’” – Genesis 4:23, 24.

God’s living word doesn’t actually tell us who it was that killed Cain ── but violence was spreading rapidly throughout humanity by Lamech’s time, and the LORD God was watching it unfold. These verses do indicate, however, that Lamech had killed two people. Who was this “young man” that he had killed?

Certainly, the Prophet Enoch, at only three hundred and sixty-five years old, would have been considered at that time to have been “a young man.” Enoch was walking with God, and he was prophesying of the coming of the Messiah ──

“Look, He comes with the myriads of His holy ones, to execute judgment on all, and to destroy all the wicked, and to convict all humanity for all the wicked deeds that they have done, and the proud and hard words that wicked sinners spoke against Him.” – 1 Enoch 1:9.

The Apostle Jude quotes from the Prophet Enoch ── Jude 1:14-15. During that era of time, Enoch was indeed a “preacher of righteousness.”

The LORD God’s living Message ── even since the beginning of the world ── has not been popular. As a true servant of the LORD God, the Prophet Enoch ── during this time when the “wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5) ── would have certainly enraged many concerning his Message. And then, finally, that generation of wickedness would tolerate his warnings no longer. By comparing Lamech’s boasting here with the age of the Prophet Enoch and his early death, one can surmise, or deduce, the possibility that Lamech killed the Prophet Enoch.

It’s interesting that after describing a sinful and wicked people, Flavius Josephus writes ──

“But Noah was very uneasy at what they [the pre-Flood world at that time] did; and being displeased at their conduct, persuaded them [preached] to change their dispositions and their acts for the better: but seeing they did not yield to him, but were slaves to their wicked pleasures, he was afraid they would kill him, together with his wife and children, and those they had married, so he departed out of that land.” ── Antiquities of the Jews, 1.3.§1.

The great-grandson of Enoch had to flee for his life because he was afraid that they might kill him.

Well … whatever the circumstances of the Prophet Enoch’s untimely death, the LORD God did not allow his body to be desecrated. The Lord God physically “translated” his body ── likely in the very sight of murderers and deplorables ── before they could defile it.

The Question can be asked ── why would the LORD God allow their righteous preachers to be killed? God’s living word contains a type of chronicle of the deaths of their prophets and the apostles throughout history. Most of the greatest of the LORD God’s righteous men and women were martyred.

Absolutely the LORD God is concerned about our physical welfare. But they are even more concerned about our spiritual welfare. Like us all, brethren, the Prophet Enoch had to have been willing to die to live (John 12:25; John 11:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:12).

The Prophet Elijah being carried away in a chariot of fire pulled by horses of fire (2 Kings 2:11) (AI-generated).

Did the Prophet Elijah go to heaven? Sadly, millions of people have been told that Elijah went to heaven ── meaning, the upper heavenly realms. Yet, over 895 years after Elijah was carried away in a whirlwind, our Lord and Savior Himself said, “’ No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man …’” – John 3:13.

God’s living word does not contradict itself! The Prophet Elijah did not ascend to the upper heavenly realms where the glorious thrones of the LORD God are. Well … where did Elijah go?

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” – Genesis 1:1 (AI-generated)

Here it should be explained that God’s living word actually speaks of THREE SEPARATE HEAVENS. Not just one. And when our Savior, High Priest, and Advocate, the Lord Jesus Christ, said, ‘No one has ascended to heaven where I came from,’ then the heaven into which the Prophet Elijah was carried away is a different heaven. Which one?

Having AI create the above illustration, I explained it thus: The Third Heaven is where the LORD God’s thrones are ── what I called, The Northern Part of the Universe on the Edge of the Universe. This is where our Lord Jesus Christ resides today, sitting as our High Priest on the right-hand side of God the Father. According to God’s living word, only they and their holy angels reside “in the farthest sides of the north” – Isaiah 14:13.

The Second Heaven represents the space where we find the planets, moons, and stars ──certainly including our sun. I explained it thus: Space, where the planets reside and our sun. We can see King David truly admiring the night sky, “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained.” – Psalm 8:3. We also have this Second Heaven spoken of in Genesis 1:14-18 ──

“Then God [the Elohim] said, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; 15) and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth’; and it was so.”

And besides all this glorious beauty ──the plants, moons, and stars ── there’s the First Heaven, the atmosphere around the Earth – with its five main layers: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere, each with distinct characteristics and functions. I just simply explained it thus: The sky-blue atmosphere with clouds and flying birds. We also have the First Heaven spoken of in Genesis 1:20 ──

“ … ‘and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.’”

Truly, it is this First Heaven from where rain falls upon the earth, where clouds form and where the wind roams. Everyone alive on this planet is breathing in the oxygen (which makes up approximately 21% of Earth’s atmosphere), which is primarily made by photosynthesis, a process carried out by plants, algae, and certain bacteria called photoautotrophs ── in which the oceans are a major source of Earth’s oxygen.

So, since the Prophet Elijah could not have ascended to the Third or even the Second Heaven, then to which heaven did he go up into? Again, “ … when the LORD was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, …” – 2 Kings 2:1, and 11). The answer is obvious ── the First Heaven.

Another Question can be asked. What was the reason behind this unusual act of the LORD God? Why did God take Elijah up into the atmosphere? Does God’s word reveal to us the reason for his removal? Yes.

Sadly, over time, the Prophet Elijah began to exhibit what we would call today overwhelming anxiety and depression ── an onset of a nervous breakdown, and he was replaced by the LORD God as their prophet (1 Kings 19:13-18). Indeed, many scholars view Elijah’s episode in 1st Kings 19 as a nervous-breakdown-type crisis. He was emotionally exhausted, anxious about Jezebel’s threats, and had even prayed to the LORD God, “It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!’” Here we are shown that even great prophets had deep struggles.

So, what did the LORD God do? He showed the Prophet Elijah great mercy and allowed him to essentially retire. From a practical Management standpoint, you’d want someone mentally stable for such an important role. The LORD God showed great compassion for Elijah’s breakdown, providing food and rest rather than condemnation.

Where Did the Prophet Elijah Go?

This is the million-dollar question ── isn’t it?

He did not ascend to the Third Heaven ── where the thrones of the LORD God are. Our Lord Jesus, again, tells us, “’ No one has ascended to heaven.’” The sons of the prophets who knew that their master was going to be replaced also knew that their master wasn’t going to die at that time. Notice ──

“Now when the sons of the prophets who were from Jericho saw him, they said, ‘The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.’ And they came to meet him, and bowed to the ground before him. 16) Then they said to him, ‘Look now, there are fifty strong men with your servants. Please let them go and search for your master, lest perhaps the Spirit of the LORD has taken him up and cast him upon some mountain or into some valley.’” – 2 Kings 2:15-16.

The Prophet Elisha, of course, knew that the LORD God would preserve his master’s life and keep him from falling, but at their insistence he permitted them to go in search of him ── but to no avail.

Elijah was gone. But to where?

King Jehoram of Judah being handed a letter from Elijah (2 Chronicles 21:12-15). (AI-generated).

Now, just before the Prophet Elijah was “translated” ── or rather, carried away ── a new king had come to the throne in the kingdom of Judah. Jehoram, a son of Jehoshaphat. The first year of his reign was roughly 852 BC. During his eight-year reign, Elisha was the recognized prophet of the LORD God (2 Kings 3:11).

Then, in the fifth year of Jehoram, the son of Ahab, king of Israel, Jehoshaphat “having been king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat began to reign as king of Judah” – 2 Kings 8:16.

The name Jehoram can be confusing here, because it speaks of both Jehoram of Israel and another Jehoram of Judah in the same verse, and both reigned at the same time.

King Jehoshaphat died in approximately the year 848 BC. This was roughly 4 years since the Prophet Elijah had disappeared. When Jehoshaphat died, his son Jehoram became sole king of Judah ── and he had brothers, Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azaryahu, Michael, and Shephatitah. “Now when Jehoram was established over the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself and killed all his brothers with the sword, and also others of the princes of Israel.” – 2 Chronicles 21:4.

A year after his reign, Edom “revolted against Judah’s authority, and made a king over themselves” ── 2 Kings 8:20; 2 Chronicles 21:8-10. After this brief war, Jehoram of Judah set about making “high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit [spiritual] harlotry, and led Judah astray.” – 2 Chronicles 21:11. He followed the ways of the nations around him and did evil in the sight of the LORD.

So, a full four years had passed since the Prophet Elijah had been taken from the people. And then … a letter comes.

Oh, yes! After this wicked and vile king began to rule, the LORD God had inspired the Prophet Elijah to write a strongly worded letter and have it sent to the king!

Now, certain scholars insist that letter wasn’t written or sent by a “living” Elijah; they think it was written by Elisha or written in Elijah’s name after his ascent ── “to heaven,” they claim. What I have to say concerning this: If God’s living word says that it “came to him from Elijah the prophet” ── that settles it. Because if you cannot believe God’s word in one little area, then you cannot believe God’s word in its entirety. Scripture’s integrity stands or falls as a whole, not in pieces.

The contents of the letter ──

“‘Thus says the LORD God of your father David: Because you have not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat your father, or in the ways of Asa king of Judah, but have walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and have made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to play the harlot like the harlotry of the house of Ahab, and also have killed your brothers, those of your father’s household, who were better than yourself, BEHOLD, the LORD will strike your people with a serious affliction ── your children, your wives, and all your possessions; and you will become very sick with a disease of your intestines, until your intestines come out by reason of the sickness, day by day.’”

The Prophet Elijah wrote and sent this letter after these events had occurred, for he speaks of them in a PAST TENSE, and of the coming disease as in the near future. Indeed, only two years after this letter, the king was struck with a grievous illness that caused his intestines to come out, leading to excruciating pain. This condition is often interpreted as a severe bowel disease, possibly resembling rectal prolapse or another serious gastrointestinal issue. He suffered for two years before succumbing to this illness at the age of 40. He reigned only eight short years (2 Chronicles 21:18-20).

The LORD God had inspired Elijah to write and convey this grave warning because he was the prophet of the LORD in the days of King Jehoram’s father, Jehoshaphat──and this present king was not obeying the LORD God. This letter that he had delivered was recognized as Elijah’s, showing us that he was known to be alive somewhere on Earth. Just how much longer Elijah lived──God’s word does not say. Yet, in the living words of God, “It is appointed for all men to die,” including Elijah, he indeed did die. □

1 Strong, J., LL.D., S.T.D., “translated” #3346, The Strongest Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, 21st Century Edition, Zondervan © 2001, pg. 1627.

2 ibid. 1, “translated” #3179.

One Came in the Spirit of Elijah──'If you are willing to receive it'

The Prophet Elijah in the wilderness of Cherith Creek being brought bread by a raven as he is sitting next to a brook (AI-generated)

by Leonard V Johnson

God’s living word ── the Holy Bible ── tells us about one of the LORD God’s Messianic prophets, the Prophet Elijah, in the Books of 1st and 2nd Kings, as well as 2nd Chronicles.

Upon his introduction, the LORD God speaks of a drought upon the land ──

“And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab [king of Israel], ‘As the LORD God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.’

2) Then the word of the LORD came to him, saying, 3) ‘Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. 4) And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.’

5) So he went and did according to the word of the LORD, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. 6) The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook. 7) And it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land.” – 1 Kings 17:1-7.

So, the LORD God had him flee and hide by the Brook Cherith that flowed into the Jordan (1 Kings 17:3, 8-10; 1 Kings 18:7-14; 19:2-4, 15). The Prophet Elijah was often a voice in the wilderness.

Ahab, king of Israel, speaks with the Prophet Elijah, “’ Is that you, O troubler of Israel?’” – 1 Kings 18:7-19 (AI-generated)

There were also times when the Prophet Elijah stood alone for the LORD God ──

“Then it happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, ‘Is that you, O troubler of Israel?’

18) And he answered, ‘I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the LORD and have followed the Baals. 19) Now therefore, send and gather all Israel to me on Mount Carmel, the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal, and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.’

20) So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together on Mount Carmel. 21) And Elijah came to all the people, and said, ‘How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.’ But the people answered him not a word. 22) Then Elijah said to the people, ‘I alone am left a prophet of the LORD; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men.’” – 1 Kings 18:17-22.

Now, as far as “faltering between two opinions” ── one such example, Protestant churches affirm the doctrine of the Trinity, teaching and believing that God is one in essence but exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Those who worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24) properly understand that God is a family which consists at this present time of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ (cf. John 1:1-2) ── two separate and distinct beings.

The Prophet Elijah at the gate of Zarephath meets a widow woman gathering sticks (1 Kings 17:8-16). (AI-generated)

The Prophet Elijah ── through and with the Spirit of God ── performed many miracles, such as multiplying flour in a bin and oil in a jar – that they are not used up, until the day it rains again upon the land (1 Kings 17:8-16), crossing the Jordan on dry ground (2 Kings 2:6-9), calling fire to come down out of the sky which consumed the captain and his fifty (2 Kings 1:10-12).

The Prophet Elijah being carried away in a chariot of fire pulled with horses of fire (2 Kings 2:11) (AI-generated).

Sadly, over time, the Prophet Elijah began to exhibit what we would call today, overwhelming anxiety, and depression ── an onset of a nervous breakdown ── and he was replaced by the LORD God as their prophet (1 Kings 19:13-18). The LORD God would come to “take him” and replace him with Elisha the son of Shaphat, receiving a “double portion” of the spiritual gift that the LORD God had given to the Prophet Elijah ──

“And so it was, when they had crossed over that Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?’ Elisha said, ‘Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.’

10) So he said, ‘You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.’

11) Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, then suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into [the atmosphere].

12) And Elisha saw it, and cried out, ‘My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!’ So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces. 13) He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan.” – 2 Kings 2:9-13.

So, the Prophet Elisha received a double portion of God’s Spirit. Elisha often seen as a type of Christ ── a type of foreshadowing of our Savior, Jesus Christ ── in the context of the prophetic succession from the Prophet Elijah. Truly, after Elijah’s departure, Elisha became the leader of the sons of prophets and went on to perform many miracles, often twice as many as Elijah had done.

King Jehoram of Judah being handed a letter from Elijah (2 Chronicles 21:12-15). (AI-generated).

Truly, truly, for several years after the Prophet Elisha picked up the mantle that Elijah had dropped, Elijah was still alive──on the Earth. While most professing Christians do not believe this (possibly because they do not properly understand that there are three “heavens” that are spoken of in God’s word), the following Scripture shows us that Elijah was still alive on the Earth, even though the mantle was now upon the Prophet Elisha ──

“Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. …

12) And a letter came to him from Elijah the prophet, saying,

‘Thus says the LORD God of your father David: Because you have not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat your father, or in the ways of Asa king of Judah, but have walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and have made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to play the harlot like the harlotry of the house of Ahab, and also have killed your brothers, those of your father’s household, who were better than yourself, BEHOLD, the LORD will strike your people with a serious affliction ── your children, your wives, and all your possessions; and you will become very sick with a disease of your intestines, until your intestines come out by reason of the sickness, day by day.’

Elijah

── 2 Chronicles 21:5, 12-15.

Yes, God’s living word teaches us that the spirit of Elijah ── ‘the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the Way of the LORD!’ would come again, though most would not know him, and would do to him whatever they desire ──

“’ The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the Way of the LORD; Make straight in the desert A highway for our God.’” – Isaiah 40:3.

“’ 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, …’” – Malachi 4:5-6.

Our Lord Jesus Christ tells us that John the Baptist fulfilled this ──

“And His disciples asked Him, saying, ‘Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?’ 11) Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Indeed, Elijah is coming first and will RESTORE ALL THINGS.’ … 13) Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.” – Matthew 17:10-11, 13.

Again, our Lord Jesus Himself confirmed that it was John the Baptist that fulfilled this role in Matthew 11:14. As He proclaims to us, “’ If you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come.’” But sadly, many are not. There are even those who have claimed to be Elijah──and there are those claiming to be Elijah today, and those who prophesy that there is an Elijah to come. Our Lord Jesus showed us how John the Baptist fulfilled that prophecy by preparing people’s hearts for the coming Messiah.

John the Baptist being questioned by Jewish priests and Levites, "Who are you?" (John 1:19-21) (AI-generated).

Even John the Baptist tells us that he was fulfilling this prophecy ──

“Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’

20) He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, ‘I am not the Christ.’

21) And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ And he answered, ‘No.’

22) Then they said to him, ‘Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?’

23) He said: ‘I am ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Make straight the Way of the LORD,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.’” – John 1:19-23.

Indeed, the “great and dreadful Day of the LORD” spoken of in Malachi 4 does refer to a soon-coming end-time trauma, what our Lord Jesus called the ‘great tribulation.’ It’s described as a day of both terror and dread, and the LORD God had promised that one would come in the spirit of Elijah before ‘the coming of the great and dreadful Day of the LORD.’ And one did──John the Baptist, who turned the hearts of the children to their fathers, and the hearts of the fathers to the children. Again, as our Lord Jesus Christ admonishes, “’ If you are willing to receive it.’” □