TURNING THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS TO THE CHILDREN, AND THE HEARTS OF THE CHILDREN TO THEIR FATHERS

5/20/18

5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. Malachi 4

Many have surmised who the two witnesses are that will come before the day of the Lord, and yet the spirit of Elijah has come even now. For he speaks in the power and anointing of that one who worked miracles and called down fire from above to the prophets of Baal. He has come even now, to speak unto this generation through various prophetic voices. He comes to tear down the altars of complacency and pharisaic mindsets. He comes to see into the enemy’s camp even as Elisha had seen the hosts of heaven gathered with more numbers than those who were against them. He comes to warn and prepare a people who would be made ready for the dark days that are coming. He comes to lift-up the broken-hearted and to care for the downtrodden and the orphan. And when some have fallen into despair and hopelessness he has come to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children unto their fathers.

For how we would compare this generation, and to whom has the word of the Lord come? Many still prophesy wonderful and bright and shining promises from the lips of those who are false. And yet many still follow and believe in their lies. And yet when trouble comes and it does, will their lies still be believed in? Truly, we are a people who need hope and encouragement, and yet what earthly father would not warn his children of the dangers that are all around them? It is not all gloom-and-doom to be prepared and alerted for what lies ahead. Indeed, instead of gloom or doom, it should rather be considered as wisdom.

Many of those who are young have lost hope in a world where they see so much hypocrisy and falsehoods. Who are the heroes that they would turn to in this hour? For our leaders in every field and area have left their mark of indecency and moral decay. And so, their hearts have been turned against their fathers because of this. And as well, the fathers have shunned the children’s voices because they see them as dreamers or as foolish ones that seek after things that will always fail them. But they need fathers who can guide the stern of the boats for them. The seas that they have traveled upon have tossed and turned them against the waves for so long, that no harbor is seen in the distance.

And yet it isn’t just a message to those who are children as in their youth, but it is a turning of the hearts of those who need the guidance and aid from those who have walked as spiritual fathers. For even those who are young and fledgling prophets need the help of those who have walked longer. A father knows of the dangers and the folly from his own experiences. But the hearts of the younger ones need to trust the one who can be trusted. It is a relationship where both are needed in this generation.

12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake. 13 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. 14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 1 John 2

Stephen Hanson