The Passing of the Mantle

by Terry Shanahan, Region Minister for the Northeast

So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. (1 Kings 19:19)

In Bible times a mantle was an outer garment that was worn over other clothing. Its main purpose was to keep the wearer warm, but it also served as a symbol of authority. The word mantle is used to translate four different Hebrew words from the Bible. The first word, semikah, literally a rug, was used when Jael covered Sisera to hide him in her tent. The second word me’il, meaning an outer garment, is used to describe just that, as we see in Job, and even an ephod, as we see in Samuel. The third, maataphoth, is a large heavy garment worn only by women. Finally, addereth, which also means an outer garment, but at its root means power. It’s used in the Bible to refer to the mantle of Elijah. Elijah passed his mantle to Elisha and with it the power, authority and responsibility it carried.

I recently was in Lovell, Maine where I was witness to another passing of the mantle. The Faith Community Church was ordaining its new pastor, Chaz Reed. Present at the service was longtime Pastor Warren Fuestal. The church has had pastors more recently than Pastor Warren, but he has been a faithful member and servant there for many years. In his 90s now, Warren was asked to pray the prayer of ordination over Chaz. Due to declining health, Warren was seated in his chair, and Chaz placed his chair next to him Warren reached out and laid his hands on Chaz and prayed for him as he accepted this mantle of ordination.

I couldn’t help but think of the long history of mantles passed on in just this way, through the laying on of hands by those who have had hands laid on them — the passing of the mantle; the responsibility of the call. It impressed upon me even more our theme verse for this year’s Annual Conference, Psalm 33:11, But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purpose of His heart through all generations.

To see Warren in his 90s praying over Chaz who has recently graduated from Bible college, was life-giving. Indeed the Lord’s plans stand firm forever, and the purpose of His heart for all generations was on display that day.

I appreciate that in my position, I am able to share in many of these special events as I represent the Conference. I have the privilege of witnessing God blessing His church with His workers. Of seeing Him raise up and call workers to the field, and also to see those who pass on the mantle to the next generation.