Will there be another occurrence of Elijah?
Mat 17: 10 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. 12 But I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not know him but did to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man is also about to suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist.
We know about the ministry of Elijah and Elisha in the Old Testament.
John the Baptist stood up and announced Christ’s first ministry on earth. It was a call to a baptism of repentance.
The parable of the foolish virgins depicts the church right before his second coming.
In Matthew 25: 6 we read "And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’
This voice must come from somewhere and I believe it is a human voice of those who announce Christ’s 2nd return. In Revelation it talks about 2 witnesses who prophesy in sackcloth and ashes.
The prophet Joel gives many references of the days preceding the return of the Lord: Mat 25:5 "But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
Joel 2:15 Blow the trumpet in Zion;
sanctify a fast;
call a solemn assembly;
16 gather the people.
Sanctify the congregation;
assemble the aged;
gather the children,
even infants at the breast.
Let the bridegroom leave his room,
and the bride her canopy.
17 Between the vestibule and the altar
let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep.
Let them say, "Spare your people, O Lord,
and do not make your heritage a mockery,
a byword among the nations.
Why should it be said among the peoples,
‘Where is their God?’”
I wonder if we are approaching these days where the Lord is calling His people to repentance again before he returns? Will we see a great outpouring of his Spirit as in the days of Pentecost as some bible passages suggest by referring to the "Latter Rain”? I am aware that the "Latter Rain” movement was subject to much controversy, nevertheless it is in the bible.
James 5:7 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.
Joel 2:23 Be glad then, you children of Zion, And rejoice in the Lord your God; For He has given you the former rain faithfully, And He will cause the rain to come down for you”” The former rain, And the latter rain in the first month.
Zechariah 10:1 Ask the Lord for rain In the time of the latter rain. The Lord will make flashing clouds; He will give them showers of rain, Grass in the field for everyone.
There are other passages that suggest a great falling away and a deep sleep for most part of the church:
Luke 18:8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
Luke 21:34 "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy[c] to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
I wonder if not both scenarios will come true. A large part of the church that is asleep and will be unprepared for the Lord’s return and a much smaller company of disciples actually experiences a great outpouring of the Spirit in the midst of persecution. They will meet according to the pattern of the early church and show all of their features like fervent prayer, unity, apostolic teaching, gifts, ministry among the poor, fear of the Lord and comfort of the Holy Spirit.
They will be a holy people that outsiders do not dare to join lest their sins be exposed. This apostolic company will try to wake up the sleeping church and will face much ridicule and betrayal. They will proclaim the gospel all over the world. Perhaps they will bear many characteristics of Elijah who had a powerful ministry among his apostate people.
Are we living in these days?