Episode 88: Prepare My Mantle
What does it mean to pass down a mantle? “Mantle” isn’t a word we use often today but biblically it held a powerful meaning. A mantle was a type of cloak that was loose fitting, typically made of sheepskin to keep you warm. Prophets wore mantles as a sign of authority, responsibility as a symbol of being a spokesman of God.
In today’s episode we’re following the mantle of Elijah and watching how God spoke to him through it. We’ll also see the legacy that was left to Elisha as he carried Elijah’s mantle after he ascended to heaven.
No one can argue that Elijah was a mighty man of God. During a time of disobedience and idol worship, Elijah called for a drought that lasted three years. He performed many miracles including a face-off with the false prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. But immediately following this epic showdown, after a threat spewed by Queen Jezebel, Elijah runs for the hills and ends up in a cave…depressed, delusional, and suicidal.
Sometimes, after a season of bold faith or breakthrough, the enemy will try to reshape a fear you’ve already faced!
Mantle Key #1: When God places a mantle on your back (something you alone have been assigned to) the enemy will recycle fear to stop you.
Anyone who has gotten to the point of realizing they’ve been called and given assignments, has already overcome many fears to get there. Elijah had faced off with Jezebel countless times, but this time was different… Is there a fear in your life that’s just a recycle of an old fear or lie?
1 Kings 19: 9-21 shows a progression of Elijah through several stages:
God asks him, “What are you doing here?’ and shows Himself to Elijah in an unexpected way.
Mantle Key #2: God will meet you in a safe place He’s designed for you to heal and grow.
The mantle was what God used to wrap Elijah in the comfort of His voice and presence. This allowed for his healing, and the ability to hear God’s instructions for what to do next.
Mantle Key #3: God will give you new direction and new tasks when you wrap yourself in His words and quit believing lies.
Elijah left immediately to carry out his new assignment. When he arrived at Elisha’s, a beautiful new commission begins as Elijah throws his mantle on Elisha’s back symbolically. This was the beginning of a partnering ministry where Elisha served Elijah, and Elijah was refreshed by his friendship.
Mantle Key #4: When we don’t try to push ourselves on the stage and learn to serve leaders, both of us are empowered and strengthened.
In 2 Kings 2: 9-10 Elisha asks for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. This wasn’t a greedy or selfish ask, it showed that Elisha loved his mentor, and prayed to be able to do even more than he did during his ministry on earth.
Gutsy Faith Challenge:
What mantle is God asking you to carry?
How can you prepare to one day give it away?
Have thoughts or questions about today’s episode? Message us or leave a comment below.