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The Glory of the Second Mantle
I Kings 19:19-21
Elijah allowed Elisha’s request. He said, “Go back again . . .” Then he added a word of caution and said, “for what have I done to you?” This statement seems to be an idiom that sounds rather abrupt or even meaningless to us. According to the idiom, we might translate it something like, “go back and bid farewell, for I have done something very important to you, but think carefully on what I have done to you, for your call is not from me, but from God!” The idea is that Elisha was accountable to God for what he did, not to Elijah. What Elijah had done was to express God’s call. Elijah would become Elisha’s spiritual leader and mentor, but Elisha must understand that ultimately, he was accountable to God, not to a man.- Mantle Was An Outer Garment: It was worn on top of the rest. The mantle of God’s anointing is not the first garment. It is added only to those who have first been clothed in salvation’s robe. Being an outer garment, it was impossible to hide. Everybody could see it.
- Mantle Was Usually Made Of Wool Or Even Sheep-skin: It could only be provided by the sacrifice of the Lamb.
- The Mantle Had Slits Not Sleeves: This gave the people freedom to move. The anointing of God is not a mold to fit into; it is the freedom to be what God wants you to be. No two anointed people are just alike, but they are both just like what God wants them to be!
- Mantle Had Blue Fringes On The Border To Remind Them To Keep The Commandments Of God (Num 15:38): If you want to be anointed, you need to be reminded.
- Mantle Was Used For A Blanket: it was not just a source of power but also a source of comfort. John 14:26, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
- Mantle Could Not Be Taken As Collateral For A Loan: The anointing can not be loaned out… you can’t live on someone else’s mantle!
- Mantle Was Protection From The Elements: In the sun, it was a shade. In the wind, it was a shield. In the rain, it was a cover. In the cold, it was warmth. It was flexible and suitable for all times and seasons.
- Mantle Allowed The Jew To Carry Hidden Items Needed For The Journey: Many people see just a mantle, but the one wearing it knows beneath that outer garment lies everything he needs to make the trip.
Grace and Peace,
Evangelist Anthony J. Tolbert
Evangelist Anthony J. Tolbert