The Passing of the Mantle
I Kings 19:19-21; 3 Kingdoms 19:19-21
On our previous visit with Elijah, we found him at Mt. Horeb (Sinai) in a rather dismal state. But God worked with him and convinced him that he still had work to do.
It would be another long and difficult journey to the rural area east of the Jordan River valley. His mission there was clear: “Elisha, the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place” (vs. 16). From his previous experiences with God, Elijah had learned to arise and go without further questions, just as Noah, Abraham, Moses and Joshua before him.
Digressing a bit prior to addressing the passage before us … the name, Elijah, means “God the Lord” or “strong Lord”. As you remember, Elijah showed great strength and proclaimed, to the power structures of his day, God as the all-powerful One – over any other “gods”. The name, Elisha, means “God the Savior” or “God that saves”. As we shall see, Elisha was less the out-going, strong type and his ministry was not as outwardly dramatic and more directed to personal needs of people. Hence, these two men with their differing personalities and approach to ministry have been likened to those of John the Baptist and Jesus. The angel Gabriel said to Zacharias concerning the birth of John, “He will go before Him (Christ) in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1: 17). You will recall that Jesus, referring to John, said, “But I say to you that Elijah has come already…” (Matthew 17:12). Some may find that interesting as we proceed.
As the scene opens, we behold the large expanse of Shaphat’s farmland stretching as far as the eye could see. The fields were being plowed by twelve pairs of oxen (likened to twelve modern-day tractors), each guided by one laborer. We might sense an air of enthusiasm and excitement in the aftermath of the three-year drought during which the land was untilled, laying arid and dormant. The twelfth pair of oxen was being handled by Shaphat’s son, Elisha (since he was young and his pass would be easier). As workers often do, they may well have been talking about the news of the day such as, King Ahab’s corrupt, ungodly rule and the miraculous event at Mt. Carmel. In fact, the name of Elijah must surely have passed over the lips of most of the people of the land.
If that were the case, how stunning it must have been when the great prophet emerged from his mysterious absence and appeared on the hillside nearby. Further, what must those twelve have thought when Elijah approached, looked around and walked directly to young Elisha whom he was seeing for the first time.
Without a word, but with clear intent, Elijah removed his mantle and laid it across Elisha’s shoulders. The mantle was a large, loose cloak, or robe, worn in that region to protect one from the sun’s intense rays. In addition, it came to be a means of identifying the person wearing it. More importantly, the mantle came to signify any role or responsibility carried by its owner in the society. That is, the mantle linked the owner with the dignity, power or influence afforded him. You will recall Joseph’s colorful coat of his father’s favor (Genesis 37:3,23), St. Paul’s handkerchiefs of healing (Acts 19:11,12) and, foremost, Jesus’ garment of divine power (Matthew 9: 20-22).
Even to the present day, the term “passing the mantle” is used to describe the transfer of a role or responsibility from one officer, president, etc. to the successor.
So, when Elijah laid his mantle upon Elisha, everyone in the field knew exactly what was taking place. One could suppose that “the earth stood still” for a time while all this sank in. Then, Elijah turned and walked away.
Quickly, the young Elisha, realizing that the rest of his life had suddenly changed, ran after the holy prophet (perhaps bowing to the ground) and pleaded for his favor, “Please let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” (vs. 20). At first glance, we may think he is looking for a way out or that he is reluctant to respond to God’s call. Sadly, many have done so throughout the ages. Once, Jesus denied such a request from a follower (Matthew 8: 21,22), but it is quite likely that the man’s father was not near death and he wanted to do other things before fully following Jesus. No, in this situation (and it soon becomes clear) this young man had made the decision but wanted to make his life-changing commitment a positive experience for his family and community.
With godly discernment and fatherly wisdom, Elijah responded simply, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” (vs. 20). While this call would, indeed, consume his life, it was not meant to harm his family nor forfeit his honor for his parents. Further, Elijah was reminding him that the decision must be his own – that he must answer God’s call for himself. We will see later that, unlike many Christians – clergy or laity – he avoids the pitfall of trying to copy Elijah rather than presenting his life as a living sacrifice to God. He was called to be Elisha, not Elijah.
So, Elisha returned home, related the incident in the field and straightway killed the oxen and made a feast for his people. Using the yoke and plow for firewood also signaled that he was “leaving his nets” to serve God. Following a time of obvious celebration, he kissed his father and his mother and set out to follow Elijah. They had raised him well, forming his character and implanting within him the values which the Lord would now utilize for His glory. As he departed from them, we can envision the tears in their eyes but the smiles on their faces and the warmth in their hearts.
The mantle had been passed. The time for training was at hand.
So also, with you and me – for us who bear the name “Christian” – our shoulders have felt the mantle of the Holy Apostles, Holy Fathers and Saints who have gone before. As they have stood like Elijah, we are now called carry on like Elisha and to pass that precious mantle of the Gospel on to those who follow. As St. Paul wrote to young Timothy, “Therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus and the things you have heard from me … commit these to faithful men who will teach others also” (2Timothy 2:1,2).
Again, I beg your empathy in closing with lyrics from a favorite song:
“May all who come behind us find us faithful;
May the fire of our devotion light their way;
May the footprints that we leave, lead them to believe,
And the lives we live inspire them to obey.
Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful!”
God bless you all.
Fr. Andrew and Kh. Dannie
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