“It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard,
The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments.” Psa 133:2
Anointing is like being smeared! Oil is used to illustrate the nature of the anointing. Just as oil leaves a residue wherever it touches, the presence of the Lord leaves a lasting impact on individuals, influencing their actions and interactions with others. That is the reason for the pervasive influence of God’s presence in the lives of those who are anointed.
There are numerous accounts of God’s divine intervention in the lives of ordinary individuals, transforming them into vessels of His power and purpose. One such narrative that resonates profoundly with the theme of divine anointing is the story of Saul as shown in the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel. Through Saul’s journey, we glean invaluable insights into the transformative power of God’s anointing and its profound implications for our own lives.
In 1 Samuel Chapter 9, Saul is introduced as an ordinary man tasked with finding lost donkeys, revealing his lack of leadership potential in ancient Israel, where shepherding equated to leadership. His failure to fulfil this basic responsibility raises doubts about his suitability to lead, especially compared to revered figures like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David, known for their stewardship. Saul’s lack of spiritual discernment worsens his predicament; he relies solely on his limited understanding, unlike past leaders who sought divine counsel. His struggles with mundane tasks foreshadow the challenges ahead as king, yet Samuel anoints him, marking the beginning of Saul’s transformation from a mere mortal to a vessel of divine purpose (1 Sam 10:1).
The pivotal moment in Saul’s life occurs when Samuel anoints him as the future king of Israel, ushering in a profound transformation. Samuel’s prophetic declaration of the Spirit of God coming upon Saul signifies a divine impartation of power and purpose. With Samuel’s anointing, the Spirit of God descends upon Saul, initiating a radical transformation within him. This divine encounter catalyses Saul’s metamorphosis from an ordinary man to a chosen vessel of God. Empowered by the presence of God, Saul undergoes a remarkable transformation that transcends human understanding. His newfound spiritual vitality and authority equip him to fulfil his divine mandate as the future king of Israel. (1 Samuel 10:6)
Following his anointing, Saul emerges as a formidable leader, leading the nation of Israel to victory against longstanding adversaries. His triumph over the Ammonites serves as a testament to the transformative power of God’s anointing, enabling Saul to accomplish feats beyond his natural capacity.
Saul’s journey offers profound insights into the significance of God’s anointing in our own lives. Just as Saul was chosen and empowered by God for a specific purpose, each of us is called to embrace the divine anointing bestowed upon us. Whether in our vocations, roles as parents, or decision-making processes, the anointing of God equips us to fulfil His will and purpose in every sphere of life.
Central to the experience of God’s anointing is a heart that is attuned to His presence and leading. Like Saul, who was transformed by his encounter with God, we are called to cultivate a heart of sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. By valuing the presence of God above all else and walking in alignment with His will, we position ourselves to experience the fullness of His anointing in our lives.
Saul’s journey inspires us to embrace the divine call upon our lives, trusting in the empowering presence of God to equip us for every task set before us and cultivating a heart of sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, thereby becoming vessels through which God’s power and purpose are made manifest in the world. The anointing of God is not confined to religious spheres but extends to every facet of life, including vocation, parenthood, and decision-making. As recipients of God’s anointing, we are empowered to navigate life’s challenges with divine wisdom and authority, fulfilling His divine mandate and advancing His kingdom purposes on earth.
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk