Summer Time!

Hey y'all! It is summer time and I like it! I have to tell you that I have been stuck in 2 Kings 2 for awhile. Why one chapter? Because as I read the story of Elijah being taken up to heaven he leaves behind his mantle (cloak) for Elisha and I just did not get why. I have read what other people thought about this event and I have not been satisfied with what I have found. Why would a guy like Elisha, who has been following Elijah and learning from him, need a mantle? Can not God do what He wants anyway?

Sometimes when I read from the Bible I have to stay until I get what God is trying to show me. Some of the opinions I have read say it is a type of Christ. Christ covers us and works through us. Which I do agree with but for some reason I wasn't satisfied with the answer. Others say that the people of that day would not have accepted Elisha if he didn't have it. Really? Could not God divide the waters of the Jordan without Elisha having the mantle? I do understand that I can be pretty dense sometimes (well, most of the time) and I need something to show me the way but my heart still hungered for more of this chapter.

Sunday, before I went to church, I was reading through the passage again and it hit me...finally. It only took me two weeks :) If Elisha went to the river and used something of his own, his pride could creep into his life as it does so often in mine. Think about it, Elisha could of done it on his own but that mantle reminds him of where he comes from and who it is that gives him the strength to do those miracles. Wow! I know it simple...and it took me a long time to figure that out...but it hit home. How often do I go and do something without asking God to be involved? He is an amazing God and a loving God. He wants that relationship with me like a best friend. Every once in-a-while I will forget to ask God to help me as I write. May sound silly, but that is what He wants from us. The more time we spend with Him the more we will be like Him and pride can not get a foot in the door. Remember who is your source, because in the end He is the one the should be glorified.


-Randy