“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” Psalm 23:5
Many have been the commentaries and writings on the subject of Psalm 23. It has to rank in its simplicity and yet, profoundness, with some of the greatest of all writings. Why? The basic reason is because it is not only divinely inspired, but backed, supported, and blessed by the Creator. Every word of its majestic, blessed truths, has the mark of God upon it, and the action of God in it. Its purpose has its meaning in the great undercurrent of the wisdom of God, to provide through His servant David, a pathway to knowing Him. It is as if each truth revealed in its words is a stepping stone which, if used well by faith, will result in a greater knowledge of God, and more profound communion with Him. One of the great essential truths revealed in this Psalm is that of God’s anointing of His children, His servants. Why is the anointing so very important? Again, it is God’s way of blessing eternally His children, and making them a blessing to the world, and this for His ultimate glory. What does it mean to be anointed with oil, golden oil, fresh oil, anointed entirely?
The word “Messiah” in the Hebrew language means to anoint, smear with oil. There are several aspects of the meaning of this word, presented to us in Scripture, which refer to Christ. As the anointing of David signified his kingship in the Old Testament, so in the new testament, Christ is designated as the King, the King of Heaven and Earth. Anointing carries with it another meaning, and it is that of the favor, commitment, and all-encompassing blessing of the Father on the anointed, in this case, Christ. Not only was He dsignated as King, but with that designation came all the power and authority of heaven, all riches of the blessing of the Father, for the accomplishment of His calling and work. The oil of the anointing communicates to us the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The anointing was both a declaration by God of that which He chose, set apart, and blessed, for His purposes, but also of all the resources provided by the Holy Spirit for the accomplishment of those purposes.
In the ninth chapter of the book of Isaiah, we see Christ, the “son” who is given, as the One upon whose shoulder the “governement will rest.” We see Him as seated upon the throne of David, head of His kingdom, ordering and establishing it. The whole idea, concept, meaning and implemetation of the anointing has its origin and effect in the words: “The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” (6:7) When we come to Isaiah 11:2, we find where the Spirit of the Lord comes to rest upon the “Branch,” a term referring to Christ. In chapter 61, we discover the Lord’s words concerning Himself, later declared in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 4: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings (the gospel) to the meek…” (v.1) Christ was designated by the anointing as being the King, chosen by God the Father, and sent on a mission. The anointing also was the outpouring of the Spirit upon Him for every need to accomplish that mission. How does the matter of “anointing” apply to every believer, Christian, and disciple?
It was John the Apostle who wrote: “But the anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him.” (1 Jn. 2:27) The believer IS anointed, desinated and chosen, set apart unto God. With that position in Christ, he is also perfectly provided for. The Spirit of God has been given to him for the accomplishmen of the will of God.
Father, Fill us today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.