Distributing a mantle
Elijah and Elisha- Another example of this father-son relationship is found in the book of 2 Kings 2 in the relationship of Elijah to Elisha. Right up to the end of his time on earth, Elijah tested his spiritual son. Elisha. On the last day, he said to Elisha, “Stay here in Gilgal. I must go to Bethel. I must go to Jericho. Stay in Jericho…” In each case, Elisha pursued. The student is to pursue the mentor. The son is to pursue the father.
As Elisha understood his calling, that he was transitioned from being a farmer’s son to a prophet’s son, he asked Elijah for a double portion of his anointing. Elijah told him that he must witness his passing in order to receive that reward. He pursued the man of God in order to receive the mantle.
What is the purpose in a spiritual father-son, father-daughter relationship? It is the distribution of a mantle. A mantle is more than a gift. It is a calling, an embodiment, and empowering.
