The passing Mantle
2 Timothy 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
From generation to generations God has been consistent in choosing a representative for himself, to communicate His laws, mandate and purpose for mankind.
First He chose Adam, then Abel, he was murdered, He chose Seth, this goes all along for many generations till Noah's era, and then Abraham. God has never changed in this changing time, only men change. His power remain the same.
Mantles are responsibilities and duties which must be fulfilled by anyone who has it. In the spiritual sense of understanding, Mantles are anointing, power and grace of God passed from one person to another. This gives room for continual manifestation of the power of God in each generation.
Examples of the passing Mantles
Moses and Joshua
Moses was specifically chosen by God to lead the children of Israel from Egypt to the promise land and to divide the land for every tribe. But it came to a junction where moses sinned against God and the plan of God for him became altered
God chose Joshua instead, His work can never be left undone, His people can never be left unguided. God personally instruct moses to anoint Joshua in other to continua the leadership position. God never change, it is only men that change.
Numbers 27:18 And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; 27:19 And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. 27:20 And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.
Elijah & Elisha
No one knows the origin of prophet Elijah, only that he was known to be a Tishbite. His first appearance was in 1 Kings 17:1 He warns Ahab that there will be years of catastrophic drought so severe that not even dew will form, because Ahab and his queen stand at the end of a line of kings of Israel who are said to have "done evil in the sight of the Lord".
But there is evidence that he was full of the power of God and grace.. So many miracles was done through him, but a time comes when he needed to make a transition of God's power and grace because sooner or latter he will be taken up to the heavens. So he chose Elisha according to the leading of God.
1 Kings 19:19 So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.
Elisha became his apprentice in the spirit walk, and was taught on the principles and ordinances of God. As Elijah was taken up to heavens through the chariot of fire, the baton was given to Elisha, The power of God remains the same only that the vessels changes.
Jesus Christ and the Disciples
Mark 6:7 And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;
Jesus Christ came to this world, and brought salvation to mankind, He was full of the power and grace of God, He manifested the power of God through healing and deliverance. It didn't end with Him, so He anointed the twelve disciples and gave them power to heal and to deliver.
On the second occasion after the accession of the Lord Christ, the Holy spirit came and gave them power to manifest the power and grace of God.. This gives anyone who believes in Christ Jesus to receives the mantle of the Holy spirit.
God remains the same, His power is the same, only men changes from generation to generations. Are you a recipient of God's mantle today?
As parents are you passing across the mantle of God's righteousness, holiness and faith you have received unto your children?... It was passed unto Timothy from his grandmother... 2 Timothy 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
Moses warned Joshua on the need to pass the mantle of obedience towards God's commands his children's children to come after him. Deuteronomy 4:9 Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;
Don't stop to pass the mantle unto the coming generations, don't be too hardened to receive the mantle of God in this generation.
God remains the same, He is till looking for men whom He will cast mantle on.. Joshua received with gladness, Elisha also did, the disciples were not left behind.
Don't disappoint God in your generation.
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of today in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord, help me to be a recipient of your grace and power in this generation in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord, help me not to disappoint you in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.