SHARING IN JESUS’ ANOINTING
Yesterday we talked about Jesus’ anointing and how we can be anointed, as well. Today we look at what He said about His anointing and how we can share in it.
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. (Luke 4:18-19)
What you just read is a quote from Isaiah 61:1-2. Jesus read it as he began his public ministry to serve as proof of who he was. He believed that he was set apart (anointed) by God to do exactly what it says.
And do you recall what Jesus said – how he included his disciples in his anointing, as well as you and me?
I tell you the truth, anyone, who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. (John 14:12)
Jesus’ mention of “going to the Father” referred to the fact that the Holy Spirit would be sent to the disciples. (John 16:7) His coming was to anoint them with power to do the works He had done.
Here are some of the expressions of Jesus anointing, from Luke 4:18-19, that he shares with us. We are:
· Anointed to proclaim good news to the spiritually poor.
· Anointed to proclaim freedom to captive people – spiritually, emotionally, mentally, etc.
· Anointed to heal spiritual and physical blindness . . . and other maladies.
· Anointed to set oppressed people free.
· Anointed to proclaim the Lord’s favor (Jubilee) – forgiveness, rest, restoration, hope, and liberty.
Here are some other anointings we are privileged to have because of Jesus:
· Anointed to be called the children of God.
· Anointed us for our calling.
· Anointed to be a victorious overcomer and conqueror.
· Anointed to be conformed to the stature and fullness of the Lord Jesus Christ.
· Anointed with the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit.
· Anointed us to be a kingdom and royal priesthood unto God, a chosen people.
As you can see, there is much that comprises the anointing. Take time to pray about each of these aspects of your anointing by giving thanks to God for them, by confessing where you need HIS assistance to receive them, and by giving Him the glory for helping you put them into action.
MY PRAYER FOR YOU: Holy Spirit of God, powerfully energize our minds, will power and emotions to receive your anointing and to step out in faith to do the works of Jesus Christ. May His authority and rulership be evident as we engage others – the world, the flesh and the devil. Help us to demonstrate favor of God through words, touch, actions and . . . by just being present. We pray this in Jesus’ name!
FOLLOW THROUGH PRAYER PROMPT FOR TOMORROW: Compile a Holy Spirit-led list of 5-10 people who need the good news of Jesus Christ.