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ELIJAH’S SUCCESSOR



 

I wonder … How old was Elijah when he burst into Ahab’s court to announce God’s judgment? And how long did he serve the Lord God? The Bible doesn’t tell us, but it does tell us that God instructed the old prophet to appoint a successor, a younger man who could be trained to serve in his place.

 

Elijah the prophet became Elijah the mentor.

 

God commanded, “You are to anoint … Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah as prophet in your place” (1 Kings 19:16).

 

He found his young friend plowing in his daddy’s field. “Elijah walked by him and threw his mantle over him” (1 Kings 19:19). His mantle?

 

Elijah didn’t say a word. He just took off his mantle, his cloak or coat, and threw it over the shoulders of Elisha. Obviously, Elisha got the message. He understood the Elijah was symbolically passing his power and authority to another generation. Elisha had been drafted into God’s service and Elijah would serve as his trainer, teacher, mentor!

 

Paul was a mentor. He trained younger men like Timothy and Titus.

 

As Paul’s life was coming to a close, he instructed Timothy to follow in his footsteps. “What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). Paul had mentored Timothy and now it was time for Timothy to mentor another generation of pastors and teachers.

 

Dad… teach your son to me a Godly man! Mom, train your daughter. Sunday School teacher… teach your students to become teachers…

 

Throw your mantle over someone’s shoulders. Be a mentor…

 

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).




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