A Modern Woman's Perspective On The Kingdom of God on Earth


February 25, 2019

What Is The Anointing On Your Life?

     That word anointing can be a scary word in a Christian's life. It carries such weight because we know Jesus, our Lord and Savior, as "the Anointed One". Therefore to consider that we might carry an anointing, when it is so strongly associated with Him, can be an intimidating prospect. Yet, I am convinced that to be anointed unto the Lord is available in every Believer's life.
     Historically speaking, anointing the body or head with oil was a common practice among Jews and people in the Middle East, signifying honor and respect. It was the official rite of inauguration into the three principal offices of Jewish leadership: Prophet, Priest and King. The Bible tells us that Saul was anointed as the first King of Israel, and it was a custom passed down to King David and all the Kings of Israel. We read of Samuel's anointing as Prophet, and Aaron's anointing as Priest.  We also see leaders throughout the history of Israel and Judah being anointed to carry out the Lord's plan: Moses, Joshua, Deborah, Gideon, and Daniel, among many others.
     And because God is sovereign in choosing whom He anoints, He used a pagan Persian King Cyrus to enable the Jewish exiles to return home after their Babylonian exile. “Thus says the Lord to His anointed, to Cyrus … ‘For the sake of My servant Jacob, and Israel My chosen, I call you by your name, I name you, though you do not know Me” (Isaiah 45:1-4).
     But an anointing by the Lord is no guarantee that one will fulfill their sanctified calling. Saul fell from favor with God, as did many of the Kings of Israel and Judah. And there is the most famous "fall" of all, Lucifer, who guarded the throne of God: "You were in Eden, the garden of God ... You were an anointed guardian cherub, for I had appointed you. You were on the holy mountain of God; you walked among the fiery stones" (Ezekiel 28:13-14).
     But lest you think that God's anointing belongs only to those whose names are recorded in the Bible, let me assure you that that there is an anointing on your life as well. In 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, the Bible makes it clear that God has established us in relationship with Christ and anointed us, [empowering us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit]. He has certified us as belonging to Him with the seal of the Holy Spirit on our hearts, and ordained our assignments in the Kingdom for His glory. 
     So, I have an important question for you ... As a child of God, anointed by Him, with the Holy Spirit abiding in you ... Are you actively asking for the revelation of your anointing? As I understand it, to be anointed by God is to walk out our royal priesthood as declared in 1 Peter 2:9. Yes, I believe that Peter is specifically talking to Israel and the Jews as God's "chosen race; a people of His own possession (Deuteronomy 32:9); a spiritual nation set apart as God's devoted ones", but we are grafted into that "spiritual nation", and therefore the anointing is ours, too. 
     So, again, I ask you ... are you seeking God and your anointing; your calling; your assignment to demonstrate God's love and power to a hurting and corrupted world? I believe the key to receive our anointing is to love God and desire to serve Him more than we love ourselves or our lives. And as Jesus commanded, we must love others as we love ourselves. To be willing to put God first, your neighbor second, and yourself last will open hearts to allow God's anointing to flow through us. And I'm going to say something that may be hard to hear, but I think this is one of the hardest things for modern Christians to do. 
     The culture of our society -- and yes, even the Church -- does not promote dying to self in order to serve God or others. Our "what's in it for me"  or "look at me" attitudes have us focused on our own reputations, and what others think of us, more than what God is wanting to do through us. Too many people -- both Unbelievers and Christians alike -- are seeking validation from people, rather than a Divine anointing for the purpose of glorifying God. Positions and titles often supersede our service.
     One of the most illuminating descriptions of God's anointing comes from God.net: "God’s anointing flows to those who are hungry for a touch from His Holy Spirit. The anointing has less to do with the person that it flows through than it does with the person who receives it, and the One who sent it, God Almighty." 
     So, it is my desire to be touched by the Holy Spirit and to serve my God, regardless of status, personal benefit, reputation, or recognition. I just want to be an obedient servant of the Lord and faithful to the anointing He has placed on my life. And I want to pray that each of you will be blessed with receiving your anointing; that you believe you are worthy and qualified. I invite you to pray this prayer with me:
     
     Father, I know that I have an anointing on my life and I pray that I will always remember that it is for the benefit of another and for Your glory.  And I ask You to humble my heart should I ever think it's about me! I ask You, Father, to give me favor and influence to be put before people who need to receive what my anointing offers. 
     Let Your anointing on my life be light in the midst of their darkness, and sight to the blind. Let me be patient, waiting for Your timing, yet always being available to share what You have called me to.
     Let me be ever mindful that the anointing by Your Holy Spirit is a gift from You -- I have done nothing to deserve it. And I give You praise and thanksgiving for trusting me with this gift. 
     Father, let Your anointing be the River of Life that flows from Your throne through my heart and floods the world around me, penetrating the hearts of all who will receive it. And let me walk in the joy of my anointing, giving and receiving, as Your will dictates. I acknowledge that the anointing that comes from You is a sacred appointment and I do not take it for granted. Give me the grace and humility to walk out my anointing all the days of my life. In the Mighty Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen. 

1 Peter 2:9     But you are God’s chosen treasure—priests who are kings, a spiritual “nation” set apart as God’s devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience His marvelous light, and now He claims you as His very own. He did this so that you would broadcast His glorious wonders throughout the world. 
    
    

2 comments:

  1. Thanks you so so much.. for breaking the meaning of anoint down to me in a way that a guy like me with 8th grade education could wrap my head around it.... great for you to help me out with this..may God bless you for helping me..

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    1. The fact that you discern the importance of anointing and have received the meaning of it, is evidence that you are seeking it. I bless you with the knowledge that you have a sanctified assignment for the Lord and that you are set apart from all others to walk a unique path in His Kingdom here on earth. Please share me what the Lord shows you! I can't wait to see what He is going to do through you!

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