Jesus Christ told us that John the Baptist came “in the spirit and power of Elijah.”  Many Jewish people in the first century were yearning for the Messiah and they knew from the book of Malachi that Elijah the prophet was to come beforehand, preparing the way for the Messiah.  Why was this future prophet identified so closely with the prophet Elijah?
     What was the first Elijah’s major commission?  The Spirit of the Lord was on him in tremendous measure, and Elisha yearned to have that same Spirit—only more so!  He asked for a double measure of God’s Spirit to fall on him as he received the office of prophet from Elijah.  What was the significance of the passing of the mantle?  And just what is a double measure of the Spirit?
     Furthermore, is there any parallel for recipients of the New Covenant?  How does the gift of the Holy Spirit as given to Christians relate to the Spirit bestowed on the prophets?
     If you want to deepen your relationship with your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and if you want to grow in the power of the Holy Spirit, you need this message and the blessing that comes with it.  Seek the mantle of Elijah and go forth in power.