Ministry Resources

Day 87: The Origin of the Anointing

Author: Pastor Larry & Pat Downing

After Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt, God instituted priests and elders to help him govern. To set these leaders apart, God prescribed a symbolic anointing oil (Exodus 30:22–33) that would be a visible sign of receiving the Holy Spirit. This anointing oil contains some very interesting characteristics:

Myrrh, a resin from a briar, represents humility. God specified that the myrrh used in this anointing oil had to be the kind that owed out by itself; it could not be obtained from cutting the branches. This signifies the humility that a person will experience as the Holy Spirit comes upon him––freely owing, not coerced; a pure offering of life from within.

Cinnamon represents boldness. Cinnamon seeds are dispersed just like dandelions, with little parachutes on top. These seeds can land in all sorts of inhospitable places, but they are able to draw nutrients from almost anywhere. They can grow wherever they land, even in unfavorable conditions. God’s anointing makes us bold against the darkness. When we have His Spirit, we will not fear, even when we encounter hard situations.

Calamus represents healing. Calamus acts much like cortisone, with a broad-spectrum effect to ease pain. The anointing of the Holy Spirit in our lives also has a broad-spectrum effect across body, soul and spirit.

Cassia, from the laurel family, represents love. It tastes and smells sweet and lovely. Love is the greatest power in the scale of values in the Bible. When the Holy Spirit fills you, you operate in His love.

Olive oil represents unity. According to God’s anointing oil recipe, the olive oil brings all the other ingredients together in harmony. So does the Holy Spirit bring individual people together and into harmony. He causes us to function together as one Body, even though we have many different gifts and abilities.

Remember, “It is God who makes both us and you stand rm in Christ. He anointed us” (2 Corinthians 1:21). Let the Holy Spirit ow over you like anointing oil and receive all the benefits of His presence in your life!

What is the Holy Spirit saying to me?

ACTIVATION

• Reflect on the characteristics of humility, boldness, healing, love and unity.

• Allow the anointing oil of the Holy Spirit to ow down over you, releasing all those qualities as you surrender to Him.

FURTHER STUDY

Philippians 2:3; Acts 4:29; Acts 10:38; Romans 5:8; Romans 15:5

Pastor Larry & Pat Downing
Foothills Community Church
Collections of thoughts from varied sources
Scripture verses from KJV or NIV unless specified

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