Receiving Elijah's Mantle
2 Kings 2:11 says, “And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.”
Before “Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven,” Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit (v. 9). His request was “a hard thing” (v. 10), but Elisha knew that he would face tougher and more challenging oppositions in order to accomplish God’s will! Because he stayed with Elijah, he was given the privilege to see the man of God taken up into heaven alive. He “took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him” (v. 13a), signifying that Elijah’s ministry has now been handed down to him. Those who are faithful and committed to follow our Lord Jesus (Lk 9:23), will always witness His wondrous works time and again (Ps 66:5).
Even though there are many difficulties and obstacles in our spiritual journey (Isa 43:2). But those who choose the easy and convenient way (Mt 7:13), will miss out seeing His remarkable blessings! In the story of Gideon, only 300 men out of 32,000 witnessed God’s deliverance against the Midianites (Jgs 7:7). If we want to see God’s power manifested before our eyes (Isa 41:20), then we must continue moving forward (Ex 14:15); we should never quit (Jn 6:66), and never back down! We must always be on guard (Eph 6:13), by standing “fast in the faith” (1 Cor 16:13); and waiting on God to show us His miracles!
As Elisha “stood by the bank of Jordan” (v. 13b), he called on God and saw the rushing waters of that river parted so he can pass through (v. 14). I’m so glad that the God of Elisha is still the same today (Heb 13:8). He is still moving in great and mighty ways (Mt 17:20), to accomplish His plan and purpose for our lives (Prov 14:21). God is looking for modern day Elisha’s who are willing to take the mantle and trust Him to do the impossible! God bless you!
- Pastor Melito Barrera
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