The Mantle of Power

The Holy Spirit clothes His people with supernatural power. It is one thing to be unified on the inside; it is another to be fortified to meet whatever happens on the outside. The Holy Spirit—if we let Him—can do both. Jesus, when speaking of the Holy Spirit in John’s Gospel (14:17), used two different prepositions to describe His work. He said, “He remains with you and will be in you” (italics added). In Acts 1:8 he uses a different preposition: “the Holy Spirit has come on you”(italics added). The word “on” gives us a picture of the Holy Spirit placing a mantle of divine omnipotence around the shoulders of His disciples, which would enable them to do great exploits in His Name.

The story of Elijah and Elisha in the Old Testament illustrates this particular aspect. Elijah, you remember, wore a mantle that was invested with supernatural power. Elijah’s servant Elisha no doubt greatly coveted that supernatural mantle. Elijah promised him that if he saw him when he returned to heaven, the mantle (the double share of his spirit) would be his. On the day of Elijah’s departure to heaven, Elisha fulfilled the condition and received the desired mantle. He then went out and performed twice as many miracles as his master.

The mantle of power Jesus used when He was here on earth, He has now given to us. Now, hold your breath, for this is what Jesus said of those who have faith in Him: “He will do even greater works than these” (Jn 14:12).

Further Study

2Kings 2; Zech 4:6; Lk 4:14; Ac 19:11-12

What characteristics did Elisha show in obtaining the mantle?

What is said of Jesus when He returned from the wilderness?