Øystein Brinch (Vestfold, Norway)
So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. - 1 Kings 19:19 (NIV)
Years ago I was invited to a nearby church as a guest preacher for Sunday worship. After my sermon, the deacon who was leading the service invited me to kneel at the altar with her for prayer.
What happened next surprised me. She took a very soft and smooth woolen blanket and covered my shoulders as she said, “This hand-knitted blanket was given to the congregation as a special blanket of the Lord’s blessing. I therefore cover our guest speaker with God’s love.”
I still feel the wonderful, spiritual warmth from that blanket as I was covered in God’s grace. I recalled the story of how Elijah threw his cloak around Elisha as a token of the Lord’s call to be a prophet. I do not consider myself a prophet, but I know that our Lord and Savior covers all of us in blankets of blessings. For me, the words of Numbers 6:24-26 capture this promise perfectly: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
When do I feel most connected to God’s love?
Visitors in my congregation
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