A cloak, a long, heavy, robe-like coat, was an Old Testament symbol of authority. For a prophet in Israel, it was a symbol of the power of God resting on him. When Elijah first met Elisha (1 Kings 19:19), he threw his cloak around him. I wonder what it was like to feel the weight of the anointing of the Spirit of God. When Elisha felt that, he left everything and followed Elijah.
But now, with Elijah gone to heaven, Elisha must go on. Picking up the cloak that Elijah left behind, Elisha goes back the way they came, and he knows God is with him as the water of the Jordan River divides, just as it did for Elijah.
Is there a follower of Jesus whom you admire? Often, for example, when an old Christian grandmother dies, her children and grandchildren will speak through tears and with deep warmth about her faith. They'll recall how she went to church every Sunday, loved the old hymns, read the Bible every day, prayed every morning and night, and stayed married to grandpa all those years. They'll speak of how her faith inspired them.
But, sadly, in many such families the kids only come to church occasionally--and the grandkids, rarely. Though inspired by Grandma's life, they don't imitate it.
Do you know any people who walk faithfully with the Lord? Follow their example. Pick up their cloak.
Father, show me some examples I can follow. Give me the courage to be like them. Anoint me, Lord. Fill me with your Spirit to become like Jesus. In his name I pray.Amen.
