Prophetic Ministries Today

Last week’s topic, “Elijah’s Return”, established that John the Baptist was under the spirit and power of Elijah so we have the confirmation that Elijah had returned. Now, let us go on so that we will understand why I have revealed this bit of biblical information. The mantle of Elijah was passed on to Elisha and then over the course of some 800 years the same mantle is later found to be on John the Baptist.

This draws a question: can you or I be granted a mantle from one of the prophets of the Old Testament? "Why NOT? In my studies of other ministries like Benny Hinn, Smith Wigglesworth, Oral Roberts, Paul Cain and many others, I find one consistent fact. Every one of these ministers was prophesied over and anointed to receive the mantle from their mentor. For example: Paul Cain walked along side of William Marion Branham and received a measure of his prophetic power. Oral Roberts had hands laid upon him and was prophesied over by the same prophet, William M. Branham, thus receiving the power of healing. Smith Wigglesworth laid hands upon Dr. Lester Sumrall and prophesied about his calling of great faith. Benny Hinn, according to Jamie Buckingham's book regarding the life and ministry of Kathryn Kuhlman, received the gift of working of miracles while under her ministry.

I might point out that none of these ministers received their mantle (anointing) by just passing through the studies of their mentor. They had to go through a series of tests that proved them before God as being worthy of receiving the gift. Likewise, we find in the life and ministry of Elisha, there were many times that Elijah did his best to run Elisha off or leave him behind. When you really want a double portion of another's gift you must be willing to go through and pass the test laid before you. You cannot be thin-skinned and expect to be rewarded with a prophet's mantle. On the other hand, you cannot allow you heart to be hardened because you have been hurt a few times.

There will be times when you are asked to carry the coat of the one before you and to humble yourself in a manner that shows honor to God's appointed prophet. What goes around comes around; you show honor and you will receive honor. The Law and the prophets is to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

"Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12

You do not find Elisha rebuking Elijah. Too many times we see students of the Word taking a self appointed role as mentor. This will not do! You cannot receive a double portion of the anointing until you first receive all the wisdom from the one before you. When you have gained all the knowledge and wisdom of that appointed mentor, then you will start on the journey of learning how to obtain an additional portion of the anointing.

Elisha was not the only prophet in training under Elijah. He just happened to be the one that had enough tenacity to warrant the mantle of Elijah. It is recorded in 11 Kings 2 that when the mantle of Elijah fell from heaven, Elisha picked up the mantle and returned to the sacred place at the Jordan River. He took the mantle of Elijah and struck the water, and said, "Where is the Lord God of Elijah?" After striking the water it divided and Elisha crossed over to the other side. It is recorded that the sons of the prophets saw Elisha strike the water and said to one another, "The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha." Then they came to meet him and bowed to the ground before him. That is when all of the other prophets vowed to be servants unto Elisha.