“from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working
by which every part does its share” (Eph. 4:16, NKJV)
We are currently discussing the unfolding of the spirit of Elijah WITHIN us, and in the process coming to a greater understanding of how mantles come into being, and how believers are empowered to do that for which God has called them. Elijah is presented as prototype in understanding the process of mantle formation and the authority that springs forth from that, and this is then a prototypical manifestation for every believer.
In the previous teaching, which was concerned with the figure of Elijah, the widow and her son who was raised from the dead, we discussed what it means to be clothed with Christ, and found that it is largely linked to carrying a mantle (of a particular anointing). Elijah’s potential mantle of fatherhood is tested on the fatherless son, and only becomes a manifest reality through Elijah’s obedience and passion.
Before we get to the next part of the chronicle of Elijah’s life, it is necessary to point out that a mantle is always part of the corporate Christ. It can NEVER move outside, or apart from it. By definition it is always linked to the five-fold ministry. Elijah’s integration with the widow and her son was the first step within a corporate identity of anointing. Eph. 4:15 makes this clear: “grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—”. In verse 16 the responsibility of each member is made clear: “from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share”. Here are a number of other versions of this verse, each focussing on another underlying element of this rich text:
- “… the aid of every contributing ligament …” (Weymouth)
- “… by the contact of every part with the source of its life …” (Twentieth Century New Testament)
- “… by means of every assisting joint …” (The Emphatic Diaglott)
- “… united through every assimilation of the supply …” (Concordance Literal)
- “… each part in its own special way helps the other parts …” (The Living Bible)
Elijah is trying to define the “own special way” of his unique anointing, the particularity of his calling. The Holy Spirit plays a practical role within this journey. In 1 Cor. 6:17 (ASV) Paul articulates it as follows: “But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.” Certain translations replace the word joined with cleave. The root word of cleave in Greek is glue, and means “to stick or to cleave, join self, keep company”. Please selah.
- Selah: Do you move within a collective, or on your own?
- Read: Ezra 1-3.
- Memorise: Ezra 1:1 (note the synchronicity concerning Cyrus as prototypical anointed –
Isa. 45:1).
