Generations

​Today we hear from Second Kings the beautiful story of the passing of Elijah’s Mantle to the young prophet Elisha. In the relationship between these two great prophets, we witness a model of the prophet at the end of his ministry entrusting the young Elisha with his work and legacy. The young prophet has the wisdom to understand the depth of the gift he receives. For both, this moment is not about egotism, but commitment to the mission and a willingness to trust. The mantle becomes the powerful image of a shared commitment and understanding. 
 
Human societies thrive when the young honor the wisdom of age and the old are willing to trust the next generation. I wonder if this passage might inspire us today to give thanks to and for those folks who gave taught and mentored us across the generations? The culture likes to speak of a generation gap. The scriptures today reveal a generation partnership that brought blessing to the world.