Dec 29 2019 | Pastor Nathan Elms 1st Church CLT
Prophets were known for wearing mantles as a sign of their calling from God (1 Kings 19:13). The prophet Samuel wore a mantle (1 Samuel 15:27). The prophet Elijah “threw his cloak around [Elisha]” as a symbol of Elijah’s ministry being passed on to Elisha. The prophet’s mantle was an indication of his authority and responsibility as God’s chosen spokesman (2 Kings 2:8). Elisha was not confused as to what Elijah was doing; the putting on of his mantle made his election clear.
There is a spiritual depth to this story…
1) GILGAL: From a root which means “the beginning point of commitment”
2 Kings 2:1-7 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Kings+2%3A1-7&version=NKJV
We all must have a spiritual genesis…
2) BETHEL: In the Hebrew, it means “the house of God”
This is where Jacob had his vision of the angelic ladder...
Gen 28:10-15 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen+28%3A10-15&version=NKJV
We all of us must become aware of the dwelling of God in our lives. Jacob said,
16 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen+28%3A16&version=NKJV
3) JERICHO: In the Hebrew, it means “a place of fragrance”
The presence of God is often demonstrated by fragrance...
Jericho is the battleground of spiritual understanding, the place where fragrant anointing is poured on a life. There is no copy for true anointing! It only comes through brokeness!
In John 12:3, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+12%3A3&version=NKJV
The reason fragrance filled the room was because something precious had been crushed!
Dying to ourselves is necessary because dead men can’t be offended or tempted.
4) JORDAN: Translated from the Hebrew ... means “descender”
Jordan is where the mantle descends from Heaven on a life.
To get to your place to anointing ( Jordan), you have to go through Gilgal, Bethel, and Jericho …
