16/04/2026
What is The Spirit of Elijah……. Prof Folu Olatona
Luke 1:17 shows us the defining characteristic of the spirit and power of Elijah: the turning of hearts back to God. The most significant thing God recognized about Elijah’s ministry was not merely the miracles he performed, but his ability to turn the hearts of Israel away from Baal—the idol they had given themselves to—and back to the Lord their God.
John the Baptist was said to come in this same spirit and power of Elijah because he fulfilled a similar assignment. In his time, Israel had drifted far from God, yet through his message of repentance, he called the people back to righteousness and restored their hearts to God.
It is therefore not surprising that Jesus declared John to be the greatest among those born of women. This distinction was rooted in the weight of his anointing—an anointing that provoked genuine repentance and spiritual awakening. Through his ministry, many people came under conviction and sought God.
Notably, John’s influence was not built on outward appearance or societal positioning. He did not wear fine dresses, nor did he dwell in the city centres. Instead, he lived a life of consecration in the wilderness. Yet, the power of God on his life drew multitudes to him. People left their comfort zones to seek him out because true spiritual authority cannot be hidden—it compels a response.
Dear minister, pay more attention to interceding for people's hearts to turn back to God.
