The Spirit of Elijah Rests on Elisha, part 3 – The Power of the Mantle

II Kings 2:12-15; 4 Kingdoms 2:12-15

As we noted in the previous episode, the miraculous ascension of Elijah had a stunning impact on Elisha – and probably would on all of us. When the fiery chariot and horses rushed between them and the whirlwind propelled Elijah to heaven (vs.11), Elisha could only cry (Heb. tsaw-ak -to shriek) in grief and tear his clothes (another act of intense grief).

While we cannot presume to know his state of mind in those moments, all indications speak of a man frozen with fear and stricken with sorrow. We might well understand if he had remained motionless, silent, and even physically ill for hours or days.

Elisha surely knew that this day would come – sometime. But who among us is not deeply heartbroken when a loved one is taken from us? Furthermore, would he not had yearned for more time to learn from Elijah before assuming his prophetic ministry?

As we mentally stand there gazing upon the solitary figure of Elisha, my mind is taken back to a similar scene almost 900 years later but less than 20 miles away. There, on the Mount of Olives, just outside Jerusalem, eleven disciples of Jesus watched in awe as a cloud took their Master up to heaven (Acts 1: 9-12). As with Elisha, what a loss it must have been for those ordinary men – simple folk they were, uneducated, unimpressive, unknown – who had followed Jesus for about three years. What would they do now without His teaching, His leadership, His miracles? Then they remembered His words in those final days: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go and make disciples of all nations …. “ (Matthew 28: 18,19). “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). (Even to the United States of America!) Jesus Christ had, indeed, poured His life into those men for three years and now He would send the Holy Spirit whose power would enable them to do “greater works than these … because I go to My Father” (John 14: 12). As you know, that promise was fulfilled by wind and fire on the Day of Pentecost. By the Spirit of God, those men, though unlearned, became dynamic teachers; those who fled in fear from the Cross stood fearlessly in the face of martyrdom. Thanks be to God!

Looking back now, Elisha saw that Elijah’s mantle had fallen to the ground at his feet. He appeared to know immediately what that mantle meant. So, just as Elijah had done minutes before, Elisha picked up the mantle, folded it and walked to the edge of the river (vs. 13). He seemed to take heart and have found a renewed spirit. Here was a renewal of God’s call, a reminder of God’s favor and a fulfillment of God’s promise. Yes, while he had been gripped with fear and trembling moments ago, now – with the sons of the prophets looking on nearby – “he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and struck the waters and said, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?”. And when he had struck the waters, they were divided here and there; and Elisha crossed over” (vs.14). Elisha had asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. Now, he was getting his answer as the waters parted before him. As the Lord had done for Elijah, He now has done for Elisha. The disciple had become the prophet.

It took only moments for the sons of the prophets to recognize the power of the mantle and respect the place of the one holding it. They exclaimed, ““The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha” And they came to meet him and bowed to the ground before him” (vs. 15). Henceforth, Elisha would be their leader, guide, teacher, and prophet.

In the first Apostolic sermon, preached on the Day of Pentecost, St. Peter said, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children and to all who are afar off …” (Acts 2: 38,39). For those reading this, are you just amazed and overwhelmed that we are among those? Are you exceedingly grateful that the God of Elijah is also our God; that the spirit of Elijah which rested on Elisha has been given to us as well?

In return for this blessing, may we, like Elisha, allow the “power of the mantle” to flow through us and bring the love of God to those around us every day.

Fr. Andrew