The Anointing - part 6

As we continue our discussion of the anointing today, let’s first look at the term “prophetic anointing.” This term is an anointing where prophetic words come either in a song, from a prophet, or in a message. 

There are even times when instruments take over and start sounding like they are talking or announcing.  I have heard drums when the anointing sounded like a war cry or as introductions to the Lord’s presence in a room.  No matter what word is used to describe it, the anointing is the most wonderful blessing to us all.

The results of the anointing operating in the Believer’s life are endless.  We may experience victory over our enemies, influence over nations or people groups, a glistening countenance, a yoke of bondage breaking, a physical healing, or spiritual insight.  When the anointing was on Jesus’ life, Acts 10:38 tells us that He was able to do good, to heal, and to deliver captives.  “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”  (NKJV)

Sometimes the anointing was so strong in Jesus’ life that people fell over in His presence.  We call that being slain in the Spirit.  When soldiers came to take Jesus away at the Garden just before His trial, they all fell over in His presence.  I can envision how anointed Jesus must have been after praying all night and being visited by angels.  No wonder those that came into His presence could not stand!

There are many purposes for the anointing.  One is to defeat our spiritual enemies.  The anointing might give us wisdom to counter an attack or the power to fight.  For example, David had the anointing on his life when he slew Goliath.

Another purpose of the anointing is for consecration for service.  Just like Aaron and his sons in Exodus 28:41, God today anoints us for ministry.  They were to minister to the Lord and serve Him in the temple.  Exodus 40:15 says that it is the anointing that qualified Aaron.  “You shall anoint them as you anointed their father, that they may minister to Me as priests; for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.”  (NKJV)  Truly, the anointing on our life enables us to perform our ministries unto the Lord.

Isaiah 61:1-3 (NKJV) shows us other purposes for the anointing.

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.  To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn, to console those that mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

These verses illustrate to us several purposes for the anointing which include:

• Bringing good news to the afflicted
• Binding up the broken hearted
• Proclaiming liberty to the captives
• Proclaiming freedom to the prisoner
• Proclaiming the favorable year of the Lord
• Proclaiming the day of vengeance of our Lord
• Comforting all who mourn
• Granting a garland of beauty
• Giving oil of gladness
• Causing those who mourn to be called oaks of righteousness
• Glorifying the Lord

As we conclude our thoughts today, can you think of other purposes for God’s anointing?  Let’s finish this entry by taking some time to thank God for His anointing and the multitude of ways it enriches and blesses our lives.

Dr. Sharon Predovich