“They asked Him, saying, “Why is it that the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” And He said to them, “Elijah does first come and restore all things. And yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things and be treated with contempt? But I say to you that Elijah has indeed come, and they did to him whatever they wished, just as it is written of him” (Mark 9:11-13).
We look for the literal, human, and explainable things. John the Baptist was Elijah who came. He was the one who prepared the way for our Savior. They beheaded him. The devil seeks to behead the church. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but the word of the Lord is forever. The gates of hell will not prevail. We have been told these things. Believe them, for the Lord has given us words of truth.
Lord, I hear these things and I doubt. Help me to receive the word You have given me and believe. You have purposed all things and they will come to pass as You have purposed them. Lead me in living the life You have given me so that I do not live in fear, but in the confidence You give that all things truly are in Your hands. It shall come to pass just as You have said.
Lord Jesus, help me to receive these words. You did suffer and we shall drink from the same cup. The world hates You and because I am in Your love, the world hates me. There will be suffering. Remove the doubts that come so that I may see Your hand upon my life no matter what the circumstances are. You are my Savior and You are leading the way. Help me today to trust that You truly are with me. Amen.
