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Introduction
As we proceed through this Advent period of the ecclesiastical calendar, let us delve into the profound message of being "Anointed for Service."
Biblically speaking, being "anointed for service" often refers to individuals being chosen, consecrated, or set apart for a specific purpose. Anointing with oil mostly characterized this act.
This practice is symbolic of the empowering and equipping of individuals for roles such as kingship, priesthood, or prophethood. For instance, kings like Saul, David, Solomon, and others were anointed for their leadership roles, and prophets like Elijah anointed Elisha as his successor. These three offices received the special oil of God; kings, priests, and prophets. We are told the Spirit of come upon the individuals who receive this oil (1 Sam. 10:1, 10; 16:13).
In the New Testament, we experience the Christ's anointing. Jesus is referred to as the "Anointed One", "the Christ" or the "Messiah", signifying his unique role as the Saviour. In His case, the Spirit of God is in Him and also in-dwells all those who believe and receive Jesus Christ (Rom. 10:9-10; Rev. 3:20).
The concept of anointed for service emphasizes divine empowerment and commissioning for a particular service or mission. Let me add that whenever you are receiving anointing, you must clearly understand the service or mission set for you.
In addition, Christians must recognize that there is nothing called "anointing oil" to be bought and kept - there is no special oil that contains anointing, meanwhile, the oil is used symbolically but not as opium.
Never again should the Christian be deceived to buy and keep anointing oil - sometimes of different colours for different works. The Holy Spirit who comes to us as anointing cannot be kept in bottles but He lives in the Christian.
Exegesis of the texts
Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a transformed wilderness, symbolizing our lives before God's anointing. The barrenness gives way to blossoming, and the desert rejoices. This imagery reflects the change that occurs when we accept the divine call to serve. Our lives, once void of purpose, are now filled with the vibrancy of God's anointing.
Many servants of God share their life testimonies describing the very worst state of their life until divine grace found them as they responded to the call for service. Permit me to cite the popular life of now Evangelist Lord Kenya. You can look for his music videos before and his messages after accepting the call to serve Christ. In my opinion, this is the message from Isaiah, "The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus." (Isaiah 35:1)
Precious one, always remember that God qualifies those He calls. He does not need you to be perfect before you become worthy of His anointing, His anointing is what makes you worthy of His service.
What is your state of life? What is so messed up for you without hope? Jesus indicated that we do not go to the wilderness to see a man dressed in fine clothes (Matt. 11:8). Meanwhile, from the wilderness comes the one, whom no one has ever risen greater than him, John the Baptizer.
If you receive the divine call on your life and accept to walk in the will of God Almighty, your desert and parched land will be glad; your wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, you will burst into bloom; you will rejoice greatly and shout for joy. The glory of Lebanon will be given to you, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; you will surely see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God shall be yours. (Isaiah 35:1-2)
Apostle James urges us to be patient in our Christian journey, drawing a parallel between the farmer's patience for the harvest and our endurance in service.
Being anointed for service is a walk in the footprints of God but not at our own discretion and speed. The society you find yourself in may be pushing you into a fast-track acquisition of things - worth, success, possession, fame, popularity, position, etc. James counsels, "Be patient."
The anointing equips us with resilience, fostering steadfastness as we await the fruits of our labour. In patience, we find the strength to serve faithfully, trusting in God's own time
Truly, truly, it is not difficult to find reasons to grumble and hate one another in our environment today. The attitude and behaviour of people around us will call for that but you must not, you should not, and you ought not. You may be legitimate to be angry, to fight, and to stay away from that person, but you will be guilty before God. James puts it, "Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!" (James 5:9)
Precious one, hold on to your peace and be strengthened by the anointing upon you, God will turn your wilderness into glory.
There comes a time in the life of John when he had to send his disciples to confirm if Jesus is truly the Messiah, the Anointed One. Matthew's account of John questioning Jesus echoes the sense of uncertainty we feel in the course of our service. At this time, John was in prison, going through torture and agony. Let us position ourselves firmly in the anointing so that exigencies of life will not kill our faith in Christ.
Jesus Christ responds by affirming the signs of the anointing in service— the blind see, the lame walk, and the good news is preached. Similarly, our anointing is validated by the transformative impact on lives and the demonstration of God's love. Service to humanity is equally service to God.
We, too, are anointed for service. Just as John prepared the way for Christ's first Advent, our service prepares hearts for the divine presence and the second Advent. Let us embrace our calling with humility, recognizing that through God's anointing, we become vessels of His grace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, let us heed the call to service with joy and anticipation. Through the anointing, our lives become testimonies of God's transformative power. May we be patient in our journey, steadfast in our service, and rejoice in the knowledge that we are anointed for a purpose greater than ourselves. Amen.
Shalom aleikhem...
Shalom🙏
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