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Anointed

Jan 28th, 2013 by

anointing_of_fresh_oil

Lately, I have been ruminating over the word, Anointed.  This is used throughout scripture, worship songs, and Christian conversation.   But, what does it mean to be ‘anointed’, really?  How does it apply to my life?

Definition Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

1 : to smear or rub with oil or an oily substance
2: to apply oil to as a sacred rite especially for consecration
 b : to choose by or as if by divine election; also : to designate as if by a ritual anointment <critics anointed the author as the bright new talent>
“To anoint” in Greek is the verb chrio’. (See Strong’s Concordance). This is the act of rubbing or pouring olive oil on someone to represent the empowering of the Holy Spirit. Anointing involved rubbing olive oil on the head, to present someone as appointed by God to serve as prophet, priest or king, etc.
The Bible says that Jesus Christ was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit to spread the Good News and free those who have been held captive by sin.
Luke 4:18-19 says, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
This was what Jesus had read in the syanagogue from the words of Isaiah.  He then went on to proclaim that this prophecy is fulfilled through him.
Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit to guide us in righteousness.  1 John 20: But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.  This anointing is given to ALL believers.  We have it even if we don’t walk in it .  This is something I want to be more responsive to.  Because of the anointing of the Holy Spirit, we have access to the truth.

In Biblical times, shepherds would pour and rub oil on their sheep’s head and ears to keep lice from infecting them.  The oil would inhibit the lice’s burrowing efforts.  Similar treatments are still used today in ointment form.  It’s kind of gross to think about, but I love the visual of nasty lice trying to burrow in and infect the poor sheep.  But, the oil causes them to slip and fall off the sheep’s ear.  Kind of like Satan’s lies that try to burrow into my ear.  The anointing of the Holy Spirit causes them to slip and fall away.  Occasionally, one of those little buggers holds on and burrows in, causing a lot of pain and suffering.  Still, the Holy Spirit tends to my wounds, lovingly, tenderly, consistently.

Know this.  As a believer of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are ANOINTED in the Holy Spirit, guiding you to the Fruit of the Spirit…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. (Galatians 5:22-23).   Submit and receive all that the Holy Spirit has for you!

In close, enjoy this song by Grace Williams, “Your Anointing” and praise God for His anointing.

 

Posted in REFLECT

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