"Because the Lord has anointed me..." (Isaiah 61:1)
The prophet Isaiah is referring here to Jesus - the Messiah, the Holy and “Anointed One” who was destined to come to save humanity and redeem the earth. The anointing of Jesus was not like the external anointing of oil in the Old Testament, it was the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and it happened when he was baptised.
When all the people were being baptised, Jesus was baptised too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21-22)
Jesus was anointed and appointed at the same time, the Holy Spirit filled him and the Father affirmed him. The really great news is that when we surrender our lives to God we become children of God and receive the same anointing.
“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.”
Ephesians 1:13
What difference does the anointing of the Holy Spirit make in your life? Are there things you need to do so the anointing flows and impacts the world around you?
We invite you to join us as we journey slowly and prayerfully through Isaiah 61 - line by line over forty days.
