Pick Up the Mantle!

He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over. – 2 Kings 2:13-14

A few days ago I had a profound experience with the Lord. I heard the words, “PICK UP THE MANTLE!,” then saw a brief vision of a mantle laying down and a hand coming down to firmly grasp it and pick it up. I spent some time in prayer before releasing this message, because I usually approach writing blog posts a different way. I wanted to wait until I had much more before saying anything, however this needs to be said right now, in this season, in this timing. Where are the Elisha’s of this generation??? Where are the people who God is calling to pick up the mantle of the great leaders who have gone before us? Although I had a spiritual experience when receiving this message, I do not believe that this message is solely for prophets, or spiritual leaders. I believe that there are mantles in the marketplace, arts, education, and politics that are available for Kingdom Believers to take hold of in this season. 

What is a mantle? In the Bible, a mantle was an outer garment – like a cape, that people wore to stay warm. It represents the anointing of God for miracles and authority in the story of Elijah and Elisha. Elijah was known for various miracles, signs and wonders, and also for his interaction with King Ahab and Jezebel. In modern times, a mantle is symbolically referred to as the anointing, supernatural enablement for leadership in a specialty. In Elijah and Elisha’s case the transference of power/mantle was evident because of the miracle of parting the water as soon as Elisha used it. For you, it will be evident that you have a mantle because as soon as you start working in that area of expertise, you will excel and appear to do what others can not do.

Is this message for you? Because you are reading this message it may be for you. How can you tell? You are in the pattern of Elisha in the sense that you have faithfully served, been mentored, studied, and have been mastering your specialty and feel a void in that space that you can not ignore. Elijah actually told Elisha that he was going to be with the Lord. He prepared Elisha so that he could have the opportunity to ask for one last thing while he (Elijah) was still with him. What has God been preparing you for? Seek God to find out if this is the season that you need to cross over into your destiny. 

What I like about Elisha is that he understood the significance of the mantle and knew how to use it when he took hold of it. He immediately “tried it out” by striking the water, as he had seen Eiljah do, and the waters parted. This is not the time to have false humility. Elisha did not make the mantle into a “sacred cow” in honor of Elijah’s legacy, or place it in a shrine for everyone to look at like an artifact. No, he used it right away and fully owned the responsibility that came with it. He did not mind people knowing that the mantle had been transferred to him and I believe that because he approached it this way he was respected. In modern times however, many people do not understand the transference of mantles and quarrels about who should get it, or what it should be used for, or whether or not using it disrespects the previous leader, etc. could happen. There may even be plots to try and steal or destroy the mantle that God has prepared for a person. Know what your mantle is worth, and how to use it because, sometimes others can see the value of the mantle more than the person holding it.

Desire the mantle. Elisha actually asked for it and for double the miracles and power than Elijah displayed earlier in his life. Do not let anyone make you feel bad, foolish, or unworthy for desiring the mantle that God is calling you to. The only way that Elisha would not have received the mantle from Elijah is if he did not ask for it! Ask God for what you desire! Apply for the job, volunteer to take the position, at the Holy Spirit’s leading make it known what you want and expectantly wait for it. This is not the time to question if the mantle is for you or if you can handle it. Go for it! The only way that you will get the mantle that God has made available for you is if you seek after it. The mantle did “fall into” Elisha’s lap, but it was only after he asked for it. Notice that he asked the correct person for the mantle. Of course ask God first, but then ask Him if there are other steps that you need to do to get it. Elisha was at the right place at the right time, doing the right thing when he received his mantle from Elijah.

Protect and respect your mantle. After Elisha received the mantle from Elijah, he did not loan it out to anyone or abuse it by using it for selfish means. He knew that the mantle was for God’s work and he treated it as such. Elisha did not “puff” himself up to appear to be grand or more holy. Others already knew that he had it, so he had nothing to prove to anyone. If you find yourself in a situation where the enemy (through thoughts or people) is challenging you about whether or not the mantle belongs to you, follow Elisha’s example. He confidently used it when it was appropriate. Do not try and validate yourself or the mantle that you carry, God is more than able to do that for you.

There is so much more that can be said on this topic. However the main point is that in this season mantles are available. Will you be the one who picks up the mantle? It is time to be close to God, to walk as His friend, and to hear His heart – much like the relationship that Elijah and Elisha had. Go get your mantle – it will not only change your life, but will powerfully impact those around you as well. 

Thank you for reading, please share and repost if you were blessed by this message.

Blessings Always,

Dionne Renae