Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected?” Mark 9:12 (TNIV)
The small group made their way down the mountain after witnessing the transfiguration of Jesus. Surely hearts still burned inside with excitement over all they had experienced. The Disciples wanted Jesus to explain to them what the scriptures said about the events that needed to be accomplished. After what they had already seen, they knew they were in the middle of important times. The heir to the throne and prince of the heavenly kingdom was already there with them. What more wonders were to be had?
So the Disciples asked Jesus about Elijah. We read words written in the Bible and we relate them to what the words describe to us. They were familiar with the name Elijah. They had studied or heard much of him from the scriptures. What was still a little vague was this concept that Elijah must come before the things they were already witnessing.
Gently Jesus leads us back on track. With eternal patience He guides us past the external world we live in and up into spiritual and eternal land. Jesus points out that the Holy Scriptures have again proven true. That the prophet referred to had done his work. That instead of reviving a long dead man to accomplish the feat, a new one was raised up from birth with the same kind of anointing and the same Spirit. This latter prophet Jesus refers to was John. He had been faithful to his commission and prepared the way for Jesus.
But our text reads; “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores ALL THINGS.“ What is “all things?” Would we say that it encompasses literally everything? Does it include the rocks and trees, the weather as well as people? Where does our Savior lead us with His words?
Would it be safe to say that Jesus always pointed us upward? Would we agree that our Savior showed in word and deed that God must come first? Could we rest sure in the fact that He never used one word carelessly? All His words held spiritual weight. All His teachings were towards eternal purposes. Everything Jesus ever says encompasses the hearts and souls of individuals and their Creator. Therefore should we lower His words to mean just the rocks and plants? Should we take Jesus´ “all things” and remove their eternal spiritual context? Or should we open our own hearts to the glow of knowing that God is advancing His marvelous work in restoring His creation to Him?
The part John plays in the great plan of redemption was significant. People had strayed from God. Somehow we got everything mixed up. Somehow we built up systems of worship. Somehow we edged God out of our daily lives even though we were following all the rituals of our religion. Somehow the relationship with a Caring Divine Being had been replaced with the things we see and do. Is it fair now to speak in past terms? Or could we be describing our situation today too.
Do we think we could use a little of Elijah´s or John´s restoring today? Is there a chance that our hearts have gone out to “things?” Would it be nice to have our hearts cleaned up and prepared for Jesus to enter in? Jesus is alive. He is here working out His part in saving men and women to their God. Let us feel the spiritual weight of His teaching. Let us come with empty hearts fully prepared and yearning to be filled with Him and His Spirit.
Dear Jesus, continue to teach us. Show us the weight Your words hold for all eternity. Never let us remain with cold hearts and hold stubbornly to our familiar world. Let us yearn for You and Your kingdom. Let us yearn for a filling, a bonding with You. Let us be so close in relationship to You that “all things” find their proper place today and forevermore.
Amen
Searching For Christ 
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