The Anointing - part 5
The great success in ministry throughout the days of the early Church was largely due to the anointing on the lives of the Believers. We have no power to significantly change lives without the anointing of God. We can be a remarkable orator, a celebrated singer, or a famous writer, but it is the anointing that brings true, lasting change.
Unfortunately, in our world today there is such an emphasis on psychology, philosophy, anthropology, marketing, and the like that many neglect to pay attention to the anointing of God. The anointing is not talent, ability, professionalism, external show, great style, emotionalism, acting, dramatic speaking, recognition by others, or goose bumps. It is the absolute presence and power of the Holy Spirit flowing.
Some say it is the overflow of the Messiah’s life of holiness into a human life. I have also heard it described as the divine energy of God. The anointing is to the spirit realm as electricity is to the natural realm.
Many words such as power, unction, oil, spirit, fragrance, mantle, thick, heavy, fat, sweet, and prophetic are used to describe the anointing. When the anointing is described as “thick” it means you can feel a thick atmosphere either in the air or on you. Sometimes the anointing is so thick you feel like pressure is on your back to bend over.
There have been times when I and others have been unable to get up off the floor after being slain in the Spirit. Why? The anointing is thick, heavy, or like a weight on you. Sometimes you can feel as though a blanket or mantle has been placed on you.
While in Israel praying for the country and interceding to stop a war, two of our team members smelled the fragrance of a rose in the room. They knew Jesus was there. They could smell the fragrance of the anointing and feel His presence.
The anointing is also described as “sweet” and I have found that this atmosphere often happens during altar calls, worship times, or in women’s meetings. Some of my favorite words of a song are, “There’s a sweet, sweet spirit in this place, and I know it is the presence of the Lord.” The anointing creates an atmosphere of peace, solitude, and security that is well described as sweet.
As we close today Mothers of Nations, can you think of any times in your own life where you experienced the anointing as “sweet” or “thick?” I would love to hear from you if you would like to share your experiences with me!
Dr. Sharon Predovich
