Elisha Takes Up The Mantle Of Elijah.

ELISHA TAKES UP THE MANTLE OF ELIJAH.

1 Kings 2:9-15.

1. Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's blessing, but Elijah laid emphasis on God’s sovereignty in this matter (2 Kings 2:9-10). After Elijah was taken up, Elisha tore his own clothes into two pieces, then took up Elijah's mantle and (again miraculously) crossed back over the River Jordan (2 Kings 2:11-14). The “sons of the prophets” were perfectly assured that “the spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha” (2 Kings 2:15).

2. There was also concern for the continuity of the church after the ascension of Jesus. It was a time for waiting, according to His instruction, for the coming of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49). The question of continuity amongst the Apostles was something of a distraction during the waiting time, but did give rise to a timeless definition of the qualifications required of an Apostle (Acts 1:21-22).

3. The visible church still has to address occasional gaps in ministry, when one servant passes the mantle to another. The times between ministries are times for waiting, for prayer (Acts 1:14), and for maintaining church unity (Acts 2:1).