GOD’S MANTLE

GOD’S MANTLE

Many positions in life have special symbols of identification and authority. The policeman has his uniform and badge. The ambulance driver has a vehicle with flashing lights and a wailing siren. Others have name tags that say, “Officers.” Elijah had his mantle. When God called Elijah out of the cave, the prophet “wrapped his face in his mantle” (1 Kings 19:13). When Elijah followed God’s instructions and called Elisha, he “threw his mantle on him” (1 Kings 19:19) as a sign that he had been chosen to be Elijah’s replacement.

On Elijah’s last day on the earth, he rolled up his mantle and used it as a staff to strike and divide the waters of the Jordan (2 Kings 2:8). What is a mantle? Mantle is not an everyday word. The English word “mantle” comes from the Latin word for “cloak.” It means “a loose garment without sleeves, usually worn over the other garments.” The Hebrew word translated “mantle,” addereth, means basically the same.

Today God still needs His men and women in Israel. We thank the Lord for those who came before us, those who spent a lifetime preaching and teaching the truth, facing the error and ungodliness of their day. They accomplished much. Congregations of the Lord’s people can be found around the world. We should not, however, think that the job is finished. Souls are still in darkness, all around us and around the world, and opportunities may be slipping away.

In America and many other countries, it is obvious that “the worship of Baal” is still with us. We do not bow to idols made of stone, but we worship prosperity, power, and possessions. The writer of Hebrews said to be “content with what you have” (Hebrews 13:5); but every advert, every commercial screams, “Do not be content with what you have. You need more, more, more!”

God needs His men, women, boys, and girls in Israel as never before. God still needs people who will stand up for Him and His way. God still needs people who will let their voices be heard. Hardly a year passes without our hearing of other great soldiers of the cross and other faithful “mothers in Israel” who have died. Who will replace them? Who? Your resolution this year should be, “Here am I, send me.”

Word Affirmation: “And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts." - Malachi 3:12 (Don't just say it, mean it!)

“Your resolution this year should be, “Here am I, send me.”"

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