God's Anointing: What It Is Compared To What We Want

Isaiah 61:1

​1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,

because the LORD has anointed me

to proclaim good news to the poor. (NIV)

Everything dedicated to God in the Old Testament was anointed with a uniquely created oil.

Oils were used prior to the creation of Israel as a nation and the anointing of the priesthood and the temple items. They were used for various reasons. They covered wounds to prevent dirt and germs from collecting. They enter the skin and muscular tissue to help muscles relax and heal. They had an aroma that calmed the nervous system. So, when the Lord had the people use anointing oil in the Old Testament, He was drawing upon their previous understanding.

He instructed them to create a new aromatic blend for anointing oil that would represent God as a distinct presence in their lives, not to be compared to anything on this Earth. His anointing brought healing, warmth, peace, but also purpose. Those anointed by God were penetrated by His Spirit for the specific purpose of serving Him in different ways. Some were anointed for a position, such as priests. Others were anointed with talent, such as Bezalel, to build the temple furniture just as God desired. David was anointed with musical ability powerful to drive demons away. To be anointed symbolizes the Holy Spirit infusing Himself into our lives to protect us, equip us, heal us, and set us apart for works of service to Him.

Often, we want the benefits of God’s anointing without accepting the responsibility to serve Him. We want healing. We want peace. We want protection. But we don’t want to preach. We don’t want to start a church. We don’t want to forgive our enemies. We don’t want to give our money. Yet, the anointing comes to us as a whole. It is as we accept the responsibility, the anointing for healing, peace, and protection permeates our spirit.

The anointing of God is the Holy Spirit entering into us. When we push back on the responsibility that comes with the anointing, we are pushing back on God Himself and all the good He wants to do in our lives. To receive the fullness of His anointing, we must be ready to use our testimony, our gifts, talents, and resources to do the work of God.

Prayer: Lord, let me not be afraid to be used to help people find you and grow in You. Remind me that You only ask me to help people know You as I know You, and help me to not let fear keep me from Your anointing. Amen.