Walking In The Mantle Of Authority
“And it came to pass, when the Lord was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2 Then Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, please, for the Lord has sent me on to Bethel.” But Elisha said, “As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you!” So they went down to Bethel.” 2 Kings 2:1-2 NKJV
Two of the greatest prophets of the old covenant were Elijah and his successor Elisha. Elijah did great things in faith and in obedience to the Lord. Probably the most noteworthy event in his life is when he had the showdown on Mt Carmel with more than 800 false prophets. Elijah called down fire from heaven that consumed his sacrifice offered on the altar he made to the Lord. That day all the false prophets died and all of Israel turned their hearts to God.
We read of the great works of the Lord through Elijah and then we are amazed to read about the even greater evidence of supernatural power through Elisha who was raised up to fill Elijah’s role when the man of God was taken from this earth to heaven in a chariot of fire. What is it that led Elisha to become such a great man of God with such powerful demonstrations of the authority of God that was at work through him? Well, there are many facets to that answer but one that we cannot overlook is evidenced from the very day that Elijah was taken up in the whirlwind.
Notice that on that day Elisha never left his master’s side. In fact, Elisha was still walking with Elijah when he was taken away. Elisha walked with his master daily regardless of anything else. That is our example. It shows us how we can grow and mature in the authority of Jesus that has been entrusted to us and will work through us as learn to move in that authority. Each day we need to be walking with our Master Jesus in the Word and in our daily relationship with Him.
Spend time in the Word and it will bring life and understanding of His power and authority that has been established for you in your life. Spend time with Jesus every day and throughout the day regardless of anything else. Let nothing take priority of that walk with Jesus and you will also see the growth, development, and understanding of His authority in you. It is His authority that is at work through you.
If you are not experiencing a revelation of that authority through your life and faith walk, then you need to make sure you, like Elisha, are walking daily with your Master. Start each day saying “As my soul lives, I will not leave you today!” For He has never left you and wants you to walk in His overcoming power and victory to His glory.
J Todd Hostetler