Read: Exodus 30:22-38
You anoint my head with oil. (Psalm 23:5b)
Have you ever used the expression, “It’s like heaven on earth”? Maybe you were awestruck by majestic mountains or felt fresh ocean air blowing on your face. Anointing oil is like that. The Bible Project describes its meaning in terms of God’s action in creation of providing “water for the dry land” and breathing into the first human—“a liquid symbol” of “the water of life and God’s Spirit combined together, used to mark a person or a place as a bridge between Heaven and Earth.”
David was set apart as king and anointed with oil (1 Sam. 16:12-13). Oil was also used to mark special places. Earlier, Jacob anointed Bethel where he had a dream of a ladder, a bridge between heaven and earth (Gen. 28:10-22). Aaron, his sons, and the tabernacle were also anointed and set apart as holy for God’s purposes. But when “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14), heaven came to earth in the person of Jesus Christ. Christ means “anointed one.” And as Christians, we are “little anointed ones,” set apart from the world to join Jesus Christ, the Anointed One, in his mission. He was “anointed” to “proclaim good news to the poor” and “liberty to the captives” (Luke 4:18). Likewise, God’s anointing of every believer comes with the Holy Spirit, who empowers us for ministry (2 Cor. 1:21-22; Eph. 3:16).
How are you walking as an anointed one today? When we follow Christ where he leads us, our cups will overflow.
As you pray, remember you are anointed.
About the Author
Nancy Boote, an ordained minister in the Reformed Church of America, lives in Holland, Michigan, with her husband.
