THE HOLY SPIRIT AS THE ANOINTING OIL

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Today, let’s explore an often-used biblical representation of the Holy Spirit: the anointing oil. If there’s one thing that consistently symbolizes the Holy Spirit throughout Scripture, it is oil.

It is important to study this right now because the world is becoming more chaotic, and it is now more important than ever to understand the truth that the Holy Spirit brings to us. As the Lord Jesus said in John 16:13, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth.” The Holy Spirit was given to guide us into ALL Truth, to lead us deeper into the revelation of God’s Word.

The natural oil used in the Bible has deep spiritual symbolism. Here are seven uses of oil and how they represent the Holy Spirit’s work:

1. Oil Lubricates: The Holy Spirit lubricates our relationships, reducing friction and making it easier for believers to live in unity and harmony.

2. Oil Heals: Oil was used medicinally in the Bible (Luke 10:34), symbolizing the Spirit’s work of healing and restoring us to wholeness.

3. Oil Gives Light: Oil was used to light lamps, just as the Holy Spirit provides the light of God’s Word to guide us (John 1:4-5).

4. Oil Provides Warmth: When used as fuel for a flame, oil gives warmth. The Holy Spirit brings comfort, warmth, and heat into our lives, helping us endure hardships.

5. Oil Soothes and Invigorates: The Spirit invigorates us, refreshing our souls and preparing us for God’s service. His presence is like a soothing balm.

6. Oil as Spiritual Food: When mixed with flour, oil was used in cooking. In a similar way, the Spirit and the Word of God work together to feed us spiritually (John 6:63).

7. Oil Polishes: Oil was used to shine metals, just as the Holy Spirit polishes us, removing rough edges and transforming us into the image of Christ (Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 3:18).

The first mention of oil in the Bible is in the story of Jacob’s encounter with God. Jacob, traveling alone, rested his head on a stone and had a vision of a ladder reaching to heaven. In response, he named the place Bethel, meaning “house of God.”

Three questions arise from this story:

1. Why did Jacob rest on a stone?

The stone symbolizes Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Just as Jacob rested on that stone, we too should find our rest in Jesus. He is the “Stone of Israel” on which we are called to rest, the true house of God, and the bridge between heaven and earth (John 1:51).

2. Why did Jacob set the stone as a pillar to commemorate his encounter with God?

Jesus is the pillar of Israel—a sign for all generations. If we do not rest upon Him, He becomes a stumbling block (Romans 9:33, Matthew 21:44). Eventually, this stone will crush the unbelieving world in judgment.

Are you resting on this stone? Can you find peace in Christ, knowing that He is in control, even in times of chaos? From pandemics to wars, we see pestilence, war, and famine following each other just as described in Matthew 24:6-7, Leviticus 26:25-26, and other Scriptures. But even in these challenging times, we can rest in Christ, knowing that He is our solid foundation.

3. Why did Jacob pour oil on the stone?

This act prophetically portrays the pouring out of God’s Spirit on Jesus, the Stone of Israel. Luke 4:17-19 and Acts 10:37-38 tell us that Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, setting Him apart as the Messiah.

The anointing oil used in the Old Testament was a special blend used to consecrate priests and kings (Exodus 30:22-33). This oil is a powerful representation of the Holy Spirit’s anointing.

In Exodus 30:32-33, there are two specific instructions on how not to use this anointing oil:

1. Not to Be Poured on Man’s Flesh

The Holy Spirit cannot be poured out on the flesh. He dwells in the spirit of those who have been born again, not on the carnal nature of man. It is not for those who remain in the flesh—who have not been transformed.

2. Not to Be Imitated

The composition of the anointing oil was unique and was not to be replicated. Similarly, the work of the Holy Spirit cannot be imitated. Any attempt to mimic His work, like false manifestations of speaking in tongues, is a grave error. To do so invites being cut off from the body of Christ. We must be genuine in our walk with the Lord and not try to imitate the work of the Spirit through carnal means.

The anointing of the Holy Spirit, as represented by the oil, is powerful and significant. Just as Jacob poured oil on the stone, we too need the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon the foundation of Jesus Christ in our lives. Without this anointing, we cannot effectively serve God or fulfill our calling.

The Holy Spirit brings healing, comfort, light, and strength. He polishes us, removes our rough edges, and transforms us into Christ’s image. In these dark and troubling times, let us seek the anointing of the Holy Spirit, resting on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ and allowing Him to fill our lives with His power and presence. Are you resting on the stone today? Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to anoint you and transform you into the image of Christ? The anointing oil of the Spirit is available to all who believe—come and receive it today, and let the Spirit of God work powerfully in your life.