The Old Testament lesson tells...
Illustration
The Old Testament lesson tells of one of the most sensational transfers of power from the
older to the younger. The mantle, robe, or cloak is the symbol of power that Elijah passes
to Elisha. Earlier, as recorded in 1 Kings 19:19, Elijah looks for Elisha, finds him
working with oxen, and throws his mantle over him. Elisha leaves the oxen and follows
Elijah.
Later, when Elijah is taken to heaven in a chariot of fire, his robe is left behind and Elisha claims it as a symbol of spiritual power.
When I retired from the Iowa Annual Conference, we included a service of "Passing The Mantle." I was honored to pass on the mantle with the symbolic power of the Holy Spirit to a newly ordained young lady. Her ministry has been spirit-filled, effective, and gives evidence of God's grace. She has been open to God's mantle of blessing and guidance.
Our church currently is involved in making "prayer shawls," which are given to those in need of healing, or to those facing a crisis. No magic is involved, but as with Elisha, the mantle, is a reminder of a caring individual and community that is providing helping hands when possible.
Later, when Elijah is taken to heaven in a chariot of fire, his robe is left behind and Elisha claims it as a symbol of spiritual power.
When I retired from the Iowa Annual Conference, we included a service of "Passing The Mantle." I was honored to pass on the mantle with the symbolic power of the Holy Spirit to a newly ordained young lady. Her ministry has been spirit-filled, effective, and gives evidence of God's grace. She has been open to God's mantle of blessing and guidance.
Our church currently is involved in making "prayer shawls," which are given to those in need of healing, or to those facing a crisis. No magic is involved, but as with Elisha, the mantle, is a reminder of a caring individual and community that is providing helping hands when possible.
