What is the Gift of Elijah?

Question

Hi Gramps,

I was wondering if you have ever heard of the gift of Elijah before? I know what the spirit of Elijah is but my patriarchal blessing says I have the gift of Elijah. Are the terms “gift” and “spirit” used interchangeably?  Thanks in advance.

Kevin

Answer

Hi Kevin,

Thank you for your question.  As I was researching I found a couple of things that you may find interesting.

First, are you familiar with Elijah and his role?  In 2 Kings 2:1, we learn that the prophet Elijah was translated.  He did not taste death, but was taken up to heaven in a whirl wind.  He returned in the latter days to restore the sealing power to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.

Malachi 4:5-6 says,

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:

 

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.

So not only does Elijah hold the keys to sealing the generations together, but he is also the one to bring the urge for family history so strongly into our hearts.

That said, your question about “Spirit” vs “Gift” is an interesting one.  In my opinion the Spirit of Elijah is a gift.  Being sealed to our families is a gift beyond expression.  And finding our ancestors is a gift we all desire.  I think the Lord was pointing out that you are blessed to partake of the gift of Elijah’s coming.  That his mission, and its fulfillment, has a direct impact on your life.  He could also be encouraging you in your own journey to find your family and take them to the temple.  Being sealed in the temple to our loved ones makes us all partakers in the gift that Elijah brought to this dispensation.

Patriarchal blessings are intensely personal and directed to the individual.  But in this instance I am glad you shared.  Because it gave me a chance to learn more about this wonderful gift.  I hope this has answered your question.

Gramps