This picture represents Elijah going up in a chariot of fire and tossing his mantle down to Elisha.
Prophets were known for wearing a mantle as a sign of their calling from God. The prophet Samuel wore a mantle. The prophet Elijah "threw his cloak around (Elisha)" as a symbol of Elijah's ministry being passed on to Elisha. The prophet's mantle was an indication of his authority and responsibility as God's chosen spokesman. Elisha was not confused as to what Elijah was doing; the putting on of his mantle made his election clear.
Some theologians see the mantle as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. For example, in 2 Kings 2:14, Elisha takes the mantle that had fallen from Elijah, similar to how Jesus received the Spirit "descending" on Him at His baptism. (Mathew 3:16). The audible voice of God in Matthew 3:17 confirms Jesus as God's chosen servant. We see a similar "falling" of the Spirit in (Acts 8:15-16 and Acts 10:44). It's only after Elisha takes the fallen mantle that he performs miraculous works (1 Kings 2:14,21,24). The Holy Spirit is the Person who empowers God's people to do God's work.
The mantle served the practical purpose of keeping people warm and protecting them from the elements. It also served a symbolic purpose, in the case of the prophets, showing they were wrapped in God's authority. The mantle presents a visible representation of a New Testament principle. The mantle an be seen as a symbol of the anointing of the Holy Spirit whom God so graciously gives to all Christians, the people of His choosing (1 Thessalonians 1:5-6; 1 Peter 2:9). All information was taken from www.gotquestions.org
Have you received your mantle already? When Jesus ascended to Heaven, His mantle was too vast to be placed on only one person. It fell upon the 120 in the Upper Room, and continues to descend on those who have the call of God on their lives.
Winter Park Aglow Community Lighthouse meets the 2nd. Saturday of each month in Room 24 at 9:30 a.m. at:
Aloma United Methodist Church
3045 Aloma Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32792, and can be reached by calling the church at 407 671-2180 for further information.
All are invited without cost or reservation. Refreshments are served after the meeting which ends around 12:00 noon.
