Profiles In LeadershipSample

If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “the mantle of leadership,” then you should know the story of Elijah and Elisha.

Elijah was one of God’s great Old Testament prophets, and Elisha served him for years. God chose Elisha to be the successor to Elijah, but for some reason the older prophet tried to get his younger follower to leave his side in the days before his death.

As Elijah’s time grew close, three times he tried to convince Elisha to stay behind. And each time, Elisha’s response was the same: “As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you.” (2 Kings 2:2, 4, 6).

Elisha’s consistency was rewarded when Elijah said to him, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?”

Elisha’s response: “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit.” (2 Kings 2:9)

According the Bible, at that moment, a chariot appeared with horses of fire, separating the two men. And Elisha watched as Elijah was taken up into heaven by a whirlwind, with only his mantle—his coat—left to mark the passing.

At that point, Elisha literally picked up the mantle of his mentor—the symbol of the prophet’s leadership, ministry, and influence for the people of God.

Elisha’s example teaches us that, to pick up the mantle of leadership:

• You have to want it. While Elijah taught many prophets, only Elisha asked to inherit Elijah’s ministry.
• You have to wait for it. Elisha spent years waiting for God’s timing to assume his role as Elijah’s successor.
• You have to stick with it. Despite obstacles and distractions, Elisha stayed true to God and Elijah.
• You have to ask boldly for it. Because Elisha had the courage to ask for a “double-portion”, God allowed him to do greater things that he could have imagined. The Bible records him performing twice as many miracles as Elijah.

God may be calling you to do great things, and if that’s the case, don’t be afraid to ask for your double-portion. Whatever your calling, be courageous in spirit and effort.