The Kingdom Forerunner:
In the scripture, the forerunner is one called of Yahuah who precedes or prepares the way for another or precedes a sovereign move of יהוה, often associated with prophetic figures.
A prominent example of this calling is John the Baptist, who is considered the forerunner to Yahusha HaMashiach, preparing the way of Yahuah as prophesied. (Luke 1:76).
Isaiah 40:3-5:
3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of יהוה; make straight in the desert a highway for our אלהים.
4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:
5 And the kavod of יהוה shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of יהוה hath spoken it.”
Kingdom Significance of the Forerunner
The concept of a forerunner in the scriptures signifies an individual who anticipates the arrival of a significant figure or event, often charged with the mission of preparation.
John the Baptist serves as the quintessential forerunner to Yahusha Mashiach, as illustrated in Luke 1:76, where Zechariah proclaims that he will “prepare the way” for יהוה.
This role extends beyond mere announcement; it embodies the calling to awaken spiritual awareness and transformation in anticipation of אלהים’s redemptive plan.
The significance of John’s ministry is further emphasized in Matthew 3:3, which cites Isaiah 40:3, declaring, “Prepare the way of יהוה; make His paths straight.” This echoes the larger biblical theme regarding the importance of preparation and readiness for the sovereign moves of the Most High.
Moreover, the role of the forerunner can be seen as a broader theme throughout Scripture, encapsulating the prophetic tradition.
Figures such as Moshe, Samuel, and the prophets are also seen as forerunners in their varying capacities to lead, guide, and foreshadow אלהים’s redemption plan leading us all to Messiah Yahusha.
Ultimately, the idea of a forerunner reflects אלהים’s intentionality in human affairs, preparing the way for salvation and highlighting the call for believers to actively engage in the work of spiritual awakening.
The concept culminates in Hebrews 6:20, where Yahusha is referred to as a “forerunner for us,” indicating that He not only fulfills the prophecies but also paves the way for believers into a new covenant relationship with אלהים, demonstrating the interconnectedness of preparation and fulfillment in אלהים’s overarching narrative.
Within the biblical narrative, the role of a forerunner often extends beyond individual figures to encompass various archetypes that reflect אלהים’s guidance and promise.
The ministry of Eliyahu, for instance, serves as a potent illustration of this theme.
Eliyahu, regarded as a forerunner to the coming of יהוה, embodies the prophetic voice calling Yashar’el back to repentance and faithfulness to אלהים.
In the context of Malachi, the promise of Eliyahu’s return before the great and dreadful day of יהוה implies not just a literal return, but a preparation of hearts and minds for divine judgment and restoration.
This highlights how forerunners can also be viewed as agents of spiritual renewal, urging communities to confront sin and embrace אלהים’s covenant.
In addition, the concept of forerunners is evident in the New Testament as well, notably with the work of the Apostles who laid the groundwork for the establishment of the Assembly of Messiah Yahusha he clearly came to build.
Their efforts in spreading the Gospel and establishing the early assembly echo the preparatory role akin to that of John the Baptist.
The notion of preparing others for receiving the message of Mashiach and HIS ASSEMBLY is emphasized throughout their ministry, as they sought to cultivate faith and readiness for יהוה’s return.
The apostolic writings remind believers of their responsibility to be proactive in spreading the Gospel, thereby continuing the legacy of forerunners throughout biblical history.
This ongoing theme of preparation serves to reinforce the essential relationship between prophecy, fulfillment, and active faith, illustrating a continuous divine orchestration towards redemptive history.
The Role of Preparation in אלהים’s Plan
In the biblical context, a forerunner signifies an individual or entity that prepares the way for significant events or figures.
This preparation often involves calling people to repentance, spiritual awakening, or readiness for divine intervention.
The forerunner’s role is crucial in setting the stage for the fulfillment of אלהים’s promises and the arrival of pivotal messengers or events in salvation history.
The Forerunner Is A Symbol of Hope and Anticipation
The concept of a forerunner also embodies hope and anticipation often demonstrated throughout history and recorded in the scripture.
The forerunner represents the promise of what is to come, instilling a sense of expectation among believers.
The forerunner serves as a reminder that אלהים is actively working in the world, paving the way for redemption and restoration.
This theme encourages faith and perseverance as individuals await the fulfillment of אלהים’s plans.
Becoming ONE With Messiah And His Assembly
In the purest sense in light of the kingdom, the forerunner is directly associated with the ministry of Yahusha Mashiach and the Assembly HE came to build.
The forerunner’s role highlights the continuity of אלהים’s redemptive work throughout history, linking the Old Testament prophecies with their New Testament fulfillment.
This connection emphasizes the importance of recognizing Yahusha as the executor of אלהים’s plan, with the forerunner serving as a vital link in the stage by stage unfolding of the plan of the Most High.
The Gospel Is Inseparable From The Assembly
When you come into the Kingdom of Messiah you leave the cold world of “individualism” and come into the commonwealth of Yashar’el as a part of community.
It is in serving one another and learning to walk out our faith TOGETHER that we are the Ekklesia Messiah came to build.
Strengthening your faith and serving others is a beautiful journey that intertwines personal growth with the call to love and support those around you.
New believers begin by immersing ourselves in Scripture; let the words of the scriptures resonate in your heart and guide your actions.
Prayer is your lifeline—make it a daily practice to communicate with אלהים, seeking His wisdom and strength.
As you deepen your relationship with Him, look for opportunities to serve in your community, whether through volunteering, offering a listening ear, or simply sharing kindness with strangers.
Remember, faith is not just a personal endeavor; it flourishes when we extend our hands and hearts to others and can only be reflected in community harmony.
Reflect on Yahusha’ example of love and humility, and let that inspire you to be a beacon of hope and compassion in the lives of those you encounter. Each small act of service can be a powerful testament to your faith, drawing you closer to אלהים and to the community around you.
Scriptures References to the Forerunner Concept:
Malachi 3:1-3: 1 “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And יהוה whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says יהוה tzeva’ot.”
2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap.
3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to יהוה.
Matthew 3:1-3: 1 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea,
2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of יהוה; make his paths straight.’”
Mark 1:2-4: 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way,”
3 “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of יהוה, make his paths straight,’”
4 John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Luke 1:76-79: 76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before יהוה to prepare his ways.
77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people
in the forgiveness of their sins,
78 because of the tender mercy of our אלהים, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Luke 3:2-6: 3 In the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of אלהים came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
3 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of יהוה, make his paths straight.
5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways,
3 and all flesh shall see the salvation of אלהים.
John 1:19-23: 19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”
20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Mashiach.”
21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Eliyahu?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”
22 So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”
23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of יהוה,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”
John 3:28-30: 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Mashiach, but I have been sent before him.’
29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete.
30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
Acts 13:24-25: 24 Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Yashar’el.
25 And as John was finishing his course, he said, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but behold, after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’
Hebrews 6:19-20: 19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain,
20 where Yahusha has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
