Be Anointed

Anointing is a curious practice.  It seems to be the physical recognition of a calling from God.  One reference describes the origin as being from shepherds who would pour oil on the head of sheep.  The oil would make their wool slippery and keep lice and other insects from burrowing into the sheep’s ears and killing them.  So the term often means smearing with oil, but its implication is symbolic of blessing, protection, and empowerment.

It became a way for people to signify God’s blessing upon their call in life.  This was usually for a special purpose such as becoming a king or a prophet.  David recognized this and valued it highly as he wouldn’t kill Saul because he was God’s appointed king and had been anointed for it.  This term and thought was also recognized in Luke 4:18 as Jesus says God anointed Him to proclaim Good News and free those held captive by sin. 

Because of Jesus, we are anointed today if we believe in Him as the son of the one true living God.  1 John 2:20 says “You have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.”  Then in verse 27 he says “the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in Him.”

Our anointing is the presence of the Spirit of God.  Paul asks in 1 Corinthians, who can know the depths of God but the Spirit of God?  We are taught about God from His Spirit Who dwells within us.  Why do we love others who hurt us – because Christ is in our heart.  Why do we forgive one another – because Christ is in our heart.  How can we teach or preach when we have no training – because Christ is in our heart.  How can we serve others whom we do not know and don’t deserve it – because Christ is in our heart.  We are anointed by His presence in our hearts and it is this presence that blesses, protects, and empowers us to do our calling and have a purpose to live.

It isn’t easy.  Jesus told us that the gate is narrow and the fellow travelers are few.  He told us that the world hated Him so it would also hate us … but we are to be joyful because He has overcome the world.  He said the world cannot take us because we are not of this world. 

Be careful today to be not of this world.  Take time to be sure your thoughts are on the narrow path.  Don’t worry about who is not on the path.  Jesus is there and He is enough.  Remember Who it was Who rescued you when there was no one else.  He has overcome this world and He lives in your heart.  Allow that anointing to rule your heart today.