Oil Me~Oil You

A friend shared recently how she has lost over 30lbs...then she shared about how her son is being a light in another person's life. One woman then scooted over next to her enthusiastically and squeeled, "I want some of what you have to rub off on me!!!"


I laughed and shared with them what God has been teaching me about 'anointing' and oil.


In 1 John 2:20-21 John tells us (brothers and sisters in faith) that we have been anointed by the Holy One and have knowledge of the Truth (John 14:6). This is a common anointing that we receive when we turn to Jesus with our whole heart and He takes up residence there by His Holy Spirit. This anointing gives us knowledge of the truth and the ability to discern what is and isn't true. (referenced above)


The definition of anointing (or unction) is: shedding of Divine influence upon a person; manifestation of Spiritual inspiration.


The Holy Spirit is often represented by oil which is used in anointing. The anointing that is in us seems to be united with the Spirit of God. (2 Corinthians 1:22)


In the Old Testament, anointing was a sign of consecration (being set apart as holy) to God and it was done by pouring oil on the head. Moses anointed Aaron and his sons as Priests in Exodus 29:7-9. In 1 Samuel 16:13, David was anointed and set apart as King. This meant they had been Divinely enabled to do the work that God had appointed them to do. God was with them and His grace and favor (power by His Spirit) was upon them.


Reflecting on the common things I know about oil: 

• Oil is used in the potpourri that I sell in my shop-the fragrance is very recognizable to everyone who comes in. I believe it makes the fragrance "stick". (2 Corinthians 2:14-16)
• Oil also makes it look rich and shiny. 
• Oil evaporates and needs to be reapplied on a regular basis to keep the fragrance fresh and lamps burning. (Leviticus 24:2; Exodus 35:28) 
• Oil reflects light off of the thing it is applied to. 
• Oil keeps things like my maple butcher-block from becoming brittle. 
• Oil makes muffins moist and tasty. 
• Oil keeps my skin from itching and promotes healing. (Jeremiah 8:22)
• Oil keeps engines running smoothly.
• Oil fueled lamps of the past for light. (Matthew 25:4)

In conclusion: Oil carries fragrance, protects, shines, heals and keeps things supple. We can make application of each of those properties to the Holy Spirit of God inside of us and coming through the Word of God, the prayers and the hands of others who are anointed! (I love that we are fueled by our being with each other!)


The Greek word for 'anoint' is Chrio/ Christos and means "His Anointed". Jesus our Messiah is "The Anointed One". (Luke 4:1)


As Believers in Jesus, we are all priests of God (1 Peter 2:9) with the common anointing. We also have a distinct, God-given purpose in the family of God and there is a more distinct anointing on our lives for the mission God has given us according to our Spiritual gifts.


So you, dear Believer, are set apart by God, filled with God, and given everything you need to serve God with your consecrated life! Isn't that freeing? Doesn't that give you a sense of rest and peace that God will fulfill His purpose for your life as you keep your relationship fresh with Him? Psalm 138:8 (So His OIL will continue to rub off on you!!!) Also keep in His word, and hang with His people~You will then be a brilliant beacon of light!

Dear Father in Heaven,
Thank you that your fragrance of love is in us and on us. Bless us, your children, to honor you by believing that you give us everything we need! Don't let us get distracted by less valuable things than spending time with you each day. Help us remember your favor, grace and power are freely given to us. We walk by faith and not by sight, relying on You for everything we need. In Jesus' Name, Amen.


Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22