He picked up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. He took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the water. He said, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah? Where is he?” He struck the water again, and the water was parted to the one side and to the other, and Elisha crossed over. ~ 2 Kings 2:13-14
This is the first example of "taking up the mantle," which as I said yesterday was where we get this phrase from.
Even with Elijah gone, Elisha is still clinging to a part of him: he believes he needs his mantle to cross the Jordan.
And he knows he needs Elijah's God.
I wonder if it had yet sunk into him that Elijah's God was as much his as his master's: that he had as much of God's love and attention as Elijah did?
And I wonder if sometimes we also think God is more on the side of others than us? I've certainly heard the reverse and some claim God was on their side exclusively.
Or do we see the strong faith of another person and wonder whether God has a special place in God's heart for them? (more than for me??)
Do we think that God calls some but not others: pastors, deacons, bishops, priests, nuns?
Or are we ready to cross the river trusting that God is on our side?
Who is someone that you think God has a special love for?
When did you begin to have confidence in God's love for you?
Where is God calling you?
God of all, help me to trust in your love and not compare it to the love you have for others. Amen