The Mantle
When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.
2 Kings 2:9
From the mezzanine, they watched the crowd filtering in. The well-known evangelist placed his hand on the boy’s shoulder.
He spoke softly, yet passionately, “Each one of these people here tonight has needs, son.” Pointing, he asked, “Do you see that man in the red shirt, son?”
“Yes, sir,” the boy of eleven answered.
“How about the lady with the blue coat?”
“Yes, sir. I see her,” came his reply.
“And how about the girl with the ponytails, there in the second row?”
“I see her, sir.”
Then this man of God spoke with an even deeper passion. “Ask God to show you what they need. Ask Him to show you their hearts, son!” He paused a moment and then continued, “I always survey the crowd before speaking. Then I ask God to speak through me what they need to hear.” The boy looked up, awed that this man had taken time out of his busy schedule to share his heart with him. The evangelist had found out this boy felt God’s call to become a pastor. He understood the importance of nurturing the vision. In those few moments, he did for this young man what no one else could. He passed on the mantle.
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God bestows His mantle upon those He calls. This godly man understood the privilege he’d been given. He remembered his father doing this very thing with him when he had answered God’s call to the ministry. This was a night the young boy would never forget. He was ready to answer the call. God equips everyone for ministry. He provides all the skills we need for each situation we find ourselves in. He will never send us out to do anything we aren’t ready for. We may feel apprehensive, but if we move forward in faith, we will find that the Holy Spirit is right there giving us courage and strength.
Prayer
“Sometimes I’m afraid of the unknown, Lord. I’m uncomfortable about being embarrassed. Help me put aside the fear so I might teach others about You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”
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