Mantles/Mantels-
What do you think of when you hear the word, "mantle"? I know there are spiritual mantles, and the Lord has been bringing that to my attention a LOT lately, but it started with a very different type of story.
One thing I do, is I am a Realtor, in fact my husband and I are a team and work together. We love being able to help people during their home buying, or selling, journey. However, the last three weeks gave me a very new experience. My wonderful client mentions that she wanted to take the fireplace mantel with them to the new house. I spoke with them about the impact that would make on the room, since it was the focal point there. I also spoke about it being a fixture (literally attached to the wall). However, they really did remove the mantel from the wall to carry to their new house. My husband and I went searching the local antique shops and after searching through a few shops, we found the perfect one for the house.
In all of this process, we are still learning all of what the Lord wants us to learn from this experience. This post is my doing a little bit of digging and listening and processing. Maybe in the process, you can grab something, too.
First- definition of the word.
Mantle means
"1. a loose, sleeveless cloak or cape
2. something that covers, envelopes, or conceals
3. the portion of the earth about 1,800 miles thick, between the crust and the core
4. a role or position, or the activities and responsibilities that come with that role or position
5. a single or paired outgrowth of the body wall that lines the inner surface of the shell in mollusks and brachiopods.
6. a chemically prepared, incombustible network hood for a gas jet, kerosene wick, etc. that, when the jet or wick is lighted, becomes incandescent and gives off a brilliant light.
7. the back, scapular, and inner wing plumage of a bird, especially when of the same color and distinct from other plumage.
8. a construction framing of a fireplace. (mantel)
9. a continuous beam set on a ring of columns and supporting the upper brickwork of a blast furnace in such a way that the brickwork and bosh may be easily replaced."
(Definition from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/mantle)
So, the way the above story speaks about it, would be #8 in the definition. It is construction, framing. But in my home, it get different decor for each season. Right now, there are beautiful fall colored leaves, flowers and items placed in just the right place to highlight the mantle and display the accessories, too. And in about 10 days, I'll take those down, clean it and put up different items/accessories for the new season. In life there are different seasons and sometimes the time between seasons it is not abnormal to feel stripped bare. Each season requires different tools/strengths/accessories. In the winter, you use an actual screen, to keep the sparks from the fire where they belong. You keep the decor from being in the way of the fire. But during the warmer weather, you may use a piece of art to cover the actual fireplace. The mantle is dressed for the season, dressed for the time.
Mantles/mantels are mentioned in the Bible, too.
Many people desire the "mantle" of others. Usually, they want the mantle of a well known minister, or business person, but remember that God created each one of us with a plan and a purpose.
Psalm 139: 15-16 "My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them." (NKJV)
In the Amplified Classic version it says that last part this way, "and in Your book all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them."
I know that is a bit different from "mantles", but in my life, I have seen others speak about and long for what others are doing, what others did, or even to be more like that person/minister. They work so hard for that life that they miss the life, or the calling that is not what was intended for them. In being totally transparent, I found myself being caught up in that mindset. When I was much younger, and much newer in the process of learning His heart for me, and for my life; not only did I desire to be more like others, I found myself not like myself a whole lot.
In the Bible you would hear of times when people would rend, or tear, their garment (or mantel) in repentance or mourning. Hannah would come to the temple every year at the Tabernacle. But the story I keep thinking about is Elijah & Elisha. 1 Kings 19: 19-21 is the passage where Elijah calls Elisha. Elisha is simply plowing in the field, and Elijah comes up to him throwing his cloak/mantel on him/across his shoulders. Elisha asks him if he can tell his parents good bye, but think about what I have done to you. (My own words.)
Elijah telling Elisha, reminds me of the new fireplace mantle story. We went through the process, and we want to pray for revelation and think on what He is doing, what He is saying in the process.
The definition above also shows that a mantle is not only for a fireplace, it isn't just a cloak/jacket/robe. It is the activities and responsibilities that come with a position.
As a parent that meant, meal preparation, occasional referee or umpire, teacher, the ever familiar term "chief cook & bottle washer". Of course that doesn't mean it is just for the mother, but it is often the general job description of the parent, as well as provider, and helper. But when the children grow up some of those responsibilities change some. There may not be as much need to referee, teach, and probably won't be washing as many dishes. But there could be newer responsibilities that are needed. There may be a new job, a volunteer opportunity, or a ministry opportunity. That will require different tools, accessories, different schedule, different strengths and it may reveal weaknesses that He will flow through.
2 Corinthians 12: 9 "Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power words best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." (NLT)
My identity of who I am and what I am meant to be/do, all comes from the Lord's heart. How do I know the plans, responsibilities that I need? How do I know I am on the right path and living the way I am supposed to? I press into Him. I listen to His heart. I pay attention to His leading.
Elisha took note of what Elijah had done, he killed the oxen, burned the plow and fed the locals with the meat, then went on to his new chapter, following and serving Elijah to learn from him and from the Lord. In the journey, as they would stop in different places on the way different people from the school of the prophets would speak to Elisha and tell him that he shouldn't keep following Elijah because he was just going to die.
Elisha heard what those voices were saying, but stayed true to what He knew He was supposed to do. He didn't let even the "prophets" voices, even Elijah's, keep him from what the Father's voice was speaking to him. Elisha followed Elijah all the way to the Jordan river. Elisha asked Elijah, when prompted to ask for what he wanted) a double portion of his spirit. Elijah says that if Elisha sees him when he goes, he will receive his request. He did see him go, and picked up the mantle after it fell to the earth.
