The Mantle Falls - Now You Must Pick it Up

Reading:  2 Kings 2:13-15
13 Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. 14 He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.
15 The company of the prophets from Jericho, who were watching, said, “The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.

Luke 9:62
62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

Devotional: When the chariot of fire disappeared and Elijah was gone, the mantle lay on the ground. It did not leap onto Elisha's shoulders. He had to bend down and pick it up. Then he had to walk to the Jordan and strike the water. He had to test what had been transferred. Faith always requires a step. God does not force the calling onto anyone. He places it before you and waits for your response. There are mantles lying before people right now — invitations to serve, to lead, to give, to go. The question is not whether God has called you. The question is whether you will reach down and pick it up.

Reflection: What mantle do you sense God has placed before you that you have not yet picked up? What fear or hesitation is keeping you from taking that first step of obedience?

Practical Application: Take one concrete step this week toward the calling you have been delaying. It does not need to be large. Strike the water. Trust God with the result. The confirmation will come as you move in faith.