J.A. Matteson
In time the apprentice is ready and the burden of leadership is transferred by one to another. "He also took up the mantle of Elijah that fell from him and returned and stood by the bank of the Jordan" (2 Kgs. 2:13). Reluctance in the apprentice is wisdom, fools aspire to high places, for the weight of leadership is a perpetual companion. Beware of those eager to assume leadership prematurely, let them first be tested. A man is in his heart that which comes from his lips. The apprentice is ready when the self awareness is present that apart from divine assistance he will fail. Humility in spirit is the common denominator of effective leaders. In the fullness of time the master departs, leaving the mantle of leadership to the apprentice to stoop down and pick up. Assuming the mantle the wise stand quietly before the LORD beseeching His grace and wisdom to guide and strengthen.
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