A Prophet's Mantle

Many of us have heard of a "mantle" or "cloak" before, but what is it?

A mantle is a article of clothing. Different versions of the bible will use different words, such as mantle, cloak, sleeveless coat or robe.

In the bible, prophets were known for wearing mantle's as a sign of their calling by God. Job was a prophet (Job 1:20), Ezra (Ezra 9:5), Samuel was also known to be a prophet (1 Samuel 15:27) and many others.

And we have the well known story of Elijah putting his mantle on Elisha as a symbol of Elijah passing his ministry on to Elisha. (1 Kings 19:19)

The mantle can be seen as a symbol of the anointing of the Holy Spirit whom God so graciously gives to all Christians, the people of His choosing. And we all know that the Holy Spirit comes with nine gifts of the spirit (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)

While in prayer a few days ago, the spirit of the lord began to minister to me about "anointings" and "gifts". Unsure of why he was telling me this information, I listened attentively.

"Do not want someone else's mantle. Everything has its' own demons and angles. To whom much is given, much is required"

"Alright", I replied.

I began to meditate on that word, and I remembered an old saying: "Be careful of what you wish for because you just might get it". I knew from other people telling me about their bad experiences from asking God for something, getting it, and it turned into a bad experience for them emotionally.

The spirit of the lord reminded me: "People will see your light, and they will want it"

I then thought about Elijah. He was an anointed prophet for God. He called down fire from heaven and it killed a lot of people. But when Jezebel said she was going to kill him, he ran due to the spirit of fear. (1 Kings 19)

Even though Elijah was anointed with the gifts of the spirit, he still dealt with negative spirits. Most prophets walk alone, and not everyone can handle being alone.

Some pastors deal with intense spiritual warfare, and not everyone can handle consistent demonic attacks.

Some evangelists can hear from the spirit of the lord all day, everyday. But live strict lives of whom they can and cannot be around, what they can eat and listen to, where they can and cannot go, etc. Not everyone can handle those types of restrictions.

So, before you look at someone's spiritual gifts, and want what they have, ask yourself do you really want it? What sacrifice do you have to make in order to have a particular gift?

It is best to allow the spirit of the lord to show you what your gifts are, as opposed to coveting what your neighbor has.

"Do not be an on looker. Seek me, for you are fearfully and wonderfully made. Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. I have set you apart for my purpose. Seek me, and I will tell you great things that I have planned for you"

Says the spirit of the lord