The Mantle of Glory

Mantles are falling. Not all of them, however, are falling from Heaven. In a recent vision, I saw men and women distributing mantles that looked powerful and seemed to possess authority. At a closer look, they were nothing short of knock offs.

You don’t have to travel to Chinatown, NYC to purchase a designer knock off. Believe it or not, most affordable fashion stores carry nothing but designer impostors under more affordable labels. What 5th Avenue deems haute couture today, will eventually be modified and mass-produced for every town and hamlet store in a matter of months. Though we ridicule runway styles, they set the palette for all apparel merchandisers from Nieman Marcus to Walmart.

Similarly, churchianity has taken to the mass production of mantles. Because carnal christians elevate A-listers in the Christian community, demand is created for the mass production of certain looks. Instead of attending fashion shows in Milan, Paris or New York – we go from meeting to meeting looking for what’s in season. We take our cues and mass produce. But in the end, we are wearing nothing more than a spiritual knock off, the look without the price.

Mantles of Glory

There is a mantle falling that cannot be imitated. This mantle is not known for its design, but for its singular Designer, the Lord. Only those who know Jesus as Lord can be fitted for this glory mantle. As Paul wrote in 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

The Lordship of Jesus produces glory. The glory is a trademark of His, attesting His design or purpose. There is no glory wherever Jesus has not been made Lord. Many want His glory, but refuse to submit their hearts, ambitions, wallets, desires, families, and schedules to Him. The glory does not manifest haphazardly or as a reward for one’s performance. The glory is a garment given to the one who lays it all down in the fitting room of Divine relationship. Those who serve as ministers unto God are fitted like Aaron in Exodus 28:2. “And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother for glory and for beauty.”

This garment is not cheaply made. Every stitch and seam must withstand the coming persecution and affliction that glory brings. Therefore I am “encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory,” 1 Thessalonians 2:12.

Worthy of God

To be worthy of God one must surrender to Christ as Lord. The carnal man must be dethroned as he does not qualify for this Divine mantle. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” To ignore the voice of Spirit, or delay obedience to His Word, is the same as denying the Lordship of Christ. How often I have said, “Tomorrow Lord, I’ll have the strength to fulfill your desire.” Herein lies the blame for the glory-void life. My strength is my glory (the knock off version). His glory is available to the one who is willing to go it in the power of His might, His mantle (the authentic version).

2012 will be the year of Jesus as Powerful Master of His Church. He is establishing His Lordship in the lives of those who are willing to lay down their opinions and ambitions. As Lord, He requires of us two things. We must love God unwaveringly, and love one another as we love ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). Love is the method of surrender, when choosing Christ as Lord. This year, love will be revealed, cultivated, tested and refined. Those who do not love, do not serve. Those who do not serve, are their own masters – and must clothe themselves. Servants of God are fitted, however, by their Lord, with mantles of glory.

Consider this post as your invitation to the fitting room.