- Anointing
Psalm 23.5
Thou anointest my head with oil.
How gracious is this Host, to treat me as an honored guest by anointing my head with oil. Rubbing olive oil on the head is not only hospitable and kindly; it is also an honor for the guest so treated, since it is fairly costly. This gracious and extravagant Host wants me to know I am very special to Him, that I am regarded with esteem, that I am to be treated with respect and dignity. This is how my God, my Shepherd, my Host thinks of me all the time. The oil is like undeserved liquid love covering my head.
The symbolism of anointing oil means more than a social nicety, for the anointing is the inner abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. OT prophets, priests, and kings were anointed with holy anointing oil, setting them apart for holy service to God. They were to be directed by the Holy Spirit to do and speak the roles called forth by Him.
The Holy Spirit anointed the Messiah (Anointed One) without measure to be Prophet, High Priest, and King for His people forever; He died and rose for us through the power of the Anointing; He will save and rule for eternity.
The same Holy Spirit anoints and fills us who believe in Jesus, and this ongoing presence of God is a special blessing for NT believers. When my head is covered with the anointing oil of the Spirit I bring every thought captive to Jesus Christ and I have the mind of Christ. Such wisdom and love is an unimaginable blessing, but it can be imagined, pictured in the mind, and received by faith in the spirit. This Promise is remarkable, not only to make me feel special but also to make me feel useful.