Luke 1:17 “He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
This is John’s role in relation to prophecy. What does it mean however that he would turn the hearts of the fathers to the children? This means a couple of things. First of all, because of the traditionalism that had been encouraged by the observers of the law in John’s day, the parents and the children had grown more distant. Their relationship had become more mechanical, and less loving. The revival of heartfelt religion versus empty ritualism that John would bring about would help families.
Secondly, this phrase speaks of the spiritual fathers, and their children. In John’s day the spiritual leaders suffered from hypocrisy. As a result, they had hypocritical disciples. Their interest in these followers was purely for their own profit. So, John’s Revival would cause a renewal of the mentoring process in Israel.
We must not underestimate the importance of John’s role. He was preparing a people ready for the Lord because the Lord is the judge. Jesus could have come and chosen to judge the world immediately. Now, truly that would not have happened. But God’s right to such a choice would have been inarguable.
Heavenly Father, You have put in place the things that we need for our lives. Though we often try to engineer our own success, You have given us the tools we need to live as we should. It is amazing to think that we can have a relationship with You after that we have been Your enemy. Salvation through Christ is absolutely amazing! Thank You for allowing us to be part of Your great work. You give us abilities and You strengthen us each day. May we be agents for change in the hearts of others, bringing revival as John did. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.