MANIFESTING MANTLES! – PART 4 – THE ACT OF SERVICE!..

 

In the Bible, a mantle is a piece of clothing. The Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary defines it as “the distinctive Hebrew outer garment, made of two pieces of thick woolen material sewn together, with slits rather than sleeves for the arms”. However, the mantle goes beyond a piece of clothing; it represents authority and has spiritual significance. In the latter case, it can represent a spiritual calling, authority, or responsibility that is passed down from one person to another.

If a mantle represents a spiritual calling, authority or responsibility, then it must be exercised; otherwise, it becomes useless or of no effect. Elijah's mantle was a symbol of his prophetic office and authority. And without controversy, he greatly manifested his prophetic authority beginning from his prayer for rain to cease, the dramatic confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, and calling back for rain. In 2 Kings 2:8: Elijah takes his mantle and strikes the water to cross the Jordan. And when his ministry was over, and he was being taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, his mantle fell to Elisha. In 2 Kings 2:13-14, Elisha picks up Elijah's mantle, and in turn uses Elijah's mantle to divide the Jordan River, demonstrating his own authority: “He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, "Where is the Lord God of Elijah?" And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over”. NKJV

The phrase "taking up the mantle" is often used to describe inheriting someone's responsibilities or continuing their work. But it can also represent a divine calling or anointing for a specific task. (Eph. 4:11, 1Tim. 4:14). The New Testament clearly demonstrates that the disciples of Jesus manifested the mantle handed over to them by the Lord Jesus Christ, when His earthly ministry was completed. Here are some examples: Acts 5:14-16 NIV “… people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by”. Acts 19:11-12 NKJV “Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.”

Today, God is calling us to take up our mantles, and manifest them; whether in ministry or in the marketplace. Are we willing to take up the mantle, and willing to give up whatever stands in the path of manifesting the mantle (1 Kings 19-21). What excuse are we proffering as reason not to manifest our mantles. Our five-part series for the month of June, “Manifesting Mantles”, will enable us focus on this theme and draw necessary insights and instructions. Join us this and every Sunday.

God bless you.

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