What is the “anointing,” and who are the “anointed?” Why is oil a symbol of the anointing, and why does the Bible promise, “The yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing” (Isa. 10:2b7)? Learn why the word “Messiah” means “the anointed one” on this episode of Discover Your Spiritual Identity on the Charisma Podcast Network.
“The Lord is their strength, and He is the saving strength of His anointed” (Ps. 28:8, KJV).
Definition
The anointing is the specific application of the Holy Spirit to a person’s life to accomplish a unique, God-inspired task. God could do it all Himself, but He chooses to use His people.
“The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men” (Ps. 115:16).
Foundational Truths
The holy anointing oil that was used to anoint everything in the tabernacle of Moses is a symbol of the spiritual anointing “oil” that must always accompany God’s work in this era (see Ex. 30:22-38, Lev. 8:10).
Seven Types of Individuals Anointed in the Old Covenants
- Patriarchs.
- Judges.
- Kings.
- Prophets.
- Governors.
- Priests.
- Soldiers.
All Seven of These Categories Were Perfectly Fulfilled in the Messiah (The Anointed One):
He is the ancient of days, the judge of all the earth, the King of kings, that great prophet, the governor among the nations, the great high priest and the captain of our salvation. He announced His ministry by declaring He was “anointed” (Isa. 61:1-2, Luke 4:18-19).
All seven of the Old Covenant positions of the “anointed” are also fulfilled in the born-again children of God in the New Covenant spiritually.
The anointing “abides” in us to teach us how to “abide” in God (see 1 John 2:27).
The Messiah Mentality
The Hebrew word Yeshua was translated to “salvation” in our foundational passage: Psalms 28:8. It was the name given to the Son of God by the angel Gabriel (translated “Jesus” in English).
The word mashiyach, translated “anointed” in Psalms 28:8, is also translated “Messiah” in Daniel 9:25-26—so “anointed” persons have strength from Yeshua (Jesus) and like Yeshua are anointed to overcome great obstacles and problems.
They are also called to have a “messiah-like mindset”: a willingness to attempt heroic deeds for the advance of God’s kingdom and if necessary, to sacrifice all—for the glory of God and the benefit of others.
For more about the Messiah anointing, listen to the full episode with Mike Shreve here. {eoa}
Subscribe to Mike Shreve’s other Charisma Podcast Network podcast on comparative religion called Revealing the True Light here.
