‘There are many biblical symbols for the Holy Spirit such as wind, water, fire, dove. The Holy Spirit’s power is also symbolized as oil. In the culture of the Old Testament people used oil for several purposes. Some of them were:
· Oil was used to prevent excessive perspiration in the hot and dry weather: Spiritually, that means that when people receive the anointing, God gives them strength and stamina in times of tiredness and weakness.
· Oil was used to provide fuel for light: Spiritually, it means that when we receive the anointing, we receive wisdom, guidance and direction in life. We shall not live in darkness and confusion.
· Oil was used as a medication for the sick: Spiritually, it is an indication that when we are sick we can receive healing through the prayer of faith and the anointing with oil.
Under the New Testament Jesus Christ Himself becomes the Anointed one who also imparts the Holy Spirit as the indwelling anointing for the believer. The anointing equips us with the knowledge and ability to execute our individual mandates. In an anointing service, our focus must be on Jesus and not on the physical oil that is applied to our bodies. The oil is only a physical symbol of a spiritual reality. The anointing works effectively in our lives when it is:
·
Received by faith
. Everything that we receive from God is received by faith.
·
Activated through prayer
. The anointing does not work by itself. It must be stirred up through prayer.
·
Released through action
. Whatever we receive of God must be put to use. Don’t just sit around and hope for things to happen. By faith take a step of faith and move forward.
Anoint me, O Lord, with power from on high and quicken my spirit.Scriptural Reading:
Exodus 29:1-9
· Oil was used to prevent excessive perspiration in the hot and dry weather: Spiritually, that means that when people receive the anointing, God gives them strength and stamina in times of tiredness and weakness.
· Oil was used to provide fuel for light: Spiritually, it means that when we receive the anointing, we receive wisdom, guidance and direction in life. We shall not live in darkness and confusion.
· Oil was used as a medication for the sick: Spiritually, it is an indication that when we are sick we can receive healing through the prayer of faith and the anointing with oil.
Under the New Testament Jesus Christ Himself becomes the Anointed one who also imparts the Holy Spirit as the indwelling anointing for the believer. The anointing equips us with the knowledge and ability to execute our individual mandates. In an anointing service, our focus must be on Jesus and not on the physical oil that is applied to our bodies. The oil is only a physical symbol of a spiritual reality. The anointing works effectively in our lives when it is:
·
Received by faith
. Everything that we receive from God is received by faith.
·
Activated through prayer
. The anointing does not work by itself. It must be stirred up through prayer.
·
Released through action
. Whatever we receive of God must be put to use. Don’t just sit around and hope for things to happen. By faith take a step of faith and move forward.
Prayer:
Anoint me, O Lord, with power from on high and quicken my spirit.Scriptural Reading:
Exodus 29:1-9
