Happy Wednesday! Have you ever listened to someone tell a story and you couldn’t tell if they were being truthful or not? You sat or stood, listened and waited for the truth. Sometimes, we require truth or proof of someone’s story. Well we began chapter 17, Jesus and the transfiguration. He began to reveal to his disciples His death and ressurection. While it was hard for them to believe that Jesus would die soon, they saw with their very eyes the transfiguration, Moses and Elijah, and they heard the voice of God. Join me as we continue to read Matthew 17.

BIBLE VERSE – Matthew 17:9-13 NLT
“9 As they went back down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

10 Then his disciples asked him, “Why do the teachers of religious law insist that Elijah must return before the Messiah comes?”

11 Jesus replied, “Elijah is indeed coming first to get everything ready. 12 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, but he wasn’t recognized, and they chose to abuse him. And in the same way they will also make the Son of Man suffer.” 13 Then the disciples realized he was talking about John the Baptist.”

Brothers and sisters, this is truth. Here are the key points to remember from scripture:
• Jesus confirmed Elijah would come first. Malachi 4:5-6 states, “5 “Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. 6 His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse.”

• Jesus confirmed Elijah came in the form of John the Baptist. Luke 1:17 states, “He will be a man with the spirit and power of Elijah. He will prepare the people for the coming of the Lord. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and he will cause those who are rebellious to accept the wisdom of the godly.”

• Jesus affirmed this earlier in Matthew 11:13-14 stating, “13 For before John came, all the prophets and the law of Moses looked forward to this present time. 14 And if you are willing to accept what I say, he is Elijah, the one the prophets said would come. 15 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!”

Brothers and sisters do you believe?

Father God, thank you for today. Lord, thank you for your strength and peace. Lord, thank you for forgiveness of sins and an overflow of your mercy. Lord, no one compares to you. You are the Alpha and Omega, you understand every thought before we even speak. So Lord, today hear our prayers and prepare our hearts and ears to receive a response from you. Lord, teach us your ways. Lord, we want to pursue your purpose in our lives. Lord, reveal to us your plan for our lives and give us a heart that trusts you. Lord, direct us and our path. Cover us and bring us into a new life relationship with you. Lord, just as you knew the plan for John the Baptist’s life, we know you have a plan for ours. Lord, continue to use us. Lord, help us and transform us to be pleasing to you. Lord, change us. In Jesus name, amen. 

—–
PRAYER REQUEST
Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

Bible Reference: http://biblegateway.com

Copyright ©️ 2022 Mary E. White Ministries, all rights reserved.