In John 1:21 when John the Baptist was asked by the priests and Levites from Jerusalem if he was Elijah, he said emphatically no. He just saw himself as that voice crying in the wilderness “make straight the way for the Lord.”

And yet, Jesus in Matthew 11:14 and 17:12 said for those who had ears to hear and were willing to accept it, that John was the Elijah to come. As great as John was, and focused on being that voice in the wilderness, he still did not have full understanding that the spirit and anointing of Elijah was upon him.

Is it possible that not comprehending this aspect of his prophetic calling contributed to him doubting whether Jesus was the Messiah when he was in prison? Just thinking out loud. It’s interesting how doubt now is challenging him in the prison just before his execution, and he sends his disciples to question Jesus.

There are times we may not fully understand the totality of our ministry calling even though we are focused and working hard on some aspects of it. But God will send apostles and prophets to recognize, reveal and confirm things to us that will inspire us to launch into new areas previously concealed.

Even though there are those who have brought reproach to the apostolic and prophetic, I thank God for those who have maintained their integrity and are such a great blessing to the body of Christ. May we never despise or quench prophesy, but prove all things and hold on to the good.