July 30

Elisha also picked up the cloak that had fallen from Elijah, and he went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. — 2 Kgs 2:13 BSB

We often see useful lives taken from the world, and the loss seems irreplaceable. But there are no accidents in God’s providence. Every person’s life is part of His plan, and no faithful servant is taken away until their part in that plan is complete. There may still be much work left to do, but it is the work of others, not of the one who has passed. Their mantle falls to someone else—perhaps to you.

When a godly father dies, the family grieves, feeling the weight of the loss. How greatly he will be missed! But if there is an elder son standing at the grave, strong and capable, blessed by his father’s life and teachings, it is at his feet that the father’s mantle falls. He must now take it up, shouldering the burdens and responsibilities of manhood. He must become his mother’s protector and care for his younger siblings.

When a godly mother dies, her absence seems impossible to fill. Yet if there is an elder daughter among the grieving family, the mother’s mantle falls to her. She must now step into her mother’s role, caring for the family in her absence.

In every breach caused by death, in homes and communities alike, the mantle falls to someone. God always makes provision so that His work will continue, as long as His servants do not fail in their duty. We must always be ready to take up the task that falls to us.