But the angel said, him Doe not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And be you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at the lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the lord their God. He will also go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah

Luke 1: 13 – 17

I believe that ministry is a race; it is a pursuit of vision (God’s plan and agenda for one’s generation)

And so, the angel instructed Zacharias about the manner of ministry that John will be involved in throughout his life.

He will also go before Him (Jesus Christ) in the spirit and power of Elijah

Among other things, that portion reveals that the ministry of John must necessary precede that of Jesus, and that, the ministry should be in the spirit (responsibility, assignment and passion) and power (anointing – grace and potentials) of Elijah.

Really, that portion summarized the responsibility and authority of Elijah.

In God’s kingdom, responsibility carries authorities; and should God give a man a responsibility to perform, He will also give him the authority to do it.

But most people are not so clear about this. For they only crave for authority (and position) – “Oh LORD, give me the double anointing of Elijah or Pastor this and Bishop that”! But the truth is, we ought to seek the heart of God – which is about responsibility ("to save the world", "preach the word", "give to the poor" etc). Rather, people run from revival meetings to crusades, just praying to God for power.

Get this, God will only release His power to a man who has received and accepted to run with a divine vision (responsibility). Now, watch this.

And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, ask what  may I do for you, before I am taken away from you. Elisha said, please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me so he said, you have asked a hard things. Nevertheless. If you see when I am taken from you, it shall be so you, but if not, it shall not be so. 

Luke 1:13-17