Overview
Malachi prophesied that Elijah would return before the great and terrible day of the Lord to restore families and prepare hearts for God's judgment. Some interpreters see this fulfilled in John the Baptist's ministry before Jesus's first coming, while others expect a literal fulfillment before the second advent. The forerunner's role is preparatory—turning hearts back to God and restoring spiritual order.
Key Scriptures
"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes" (Malachi 4:5, ESV). "And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord" (Luke 1:17, NIV). "Jesus answered, 'To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things'" (Matthew 17:11, NIV).
Application
Recognize that spiritual preparation and revival often precede major moves of God, motivating intercession and faithful witness today.