While the allusion to Elijah found its initial fulfilment in John the Baptist, the Lord has sent other Elijahs through the course of history. In Revelation 11:6, God promises that in the time between the first coming of Christ in humility, and his second coming in glory, two witnesses will arise to testify to the truth. And it is said in Malachi 4:6 that these two witnesses have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy. This is a clear allusion to the prophetic ministry of Elijah, which suggests that these two witnesses are prophetic witnesses, like Elijah of old. Through the ages, God has sent men as Luther and Calvin, Beza and Bucer, Farel and Zwingli, Knox and Latimer and Ridley to reform apostate churches. And undoubtedly, until the ultimate fulfilment of our text, God will continue to send such prophetic witnesses in the spirit and power of Elijah to ensure that there remains a church that is true and faithful until Christ returns. God does this through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom God has given all power and authority on earth.
5 “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes.