"For the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation to all men..." Titus 2:11
“I have been anointed with fresh oil.” Psalm 92:10
Recipe for Anointing Oil
Exodus 30:23-25
- Five hundred shekels of liquid myrrh (the spirit of death)
- Half as much sweet-smelling cinnamon (the spice of flavor)
- Two hundred and fifty shekels of sweet-smelling cane (the spice of authority)
- Five hundred shekels of cassia (the spice of worship)
- One him of olive oil (the symbol of the Holy Spirit)
Would you like a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit? God commanded Moses and Aaron to mix a special blend of spices for anointing oil. The spices were purified until only the essence was left and then they were infused into the olive oil and strained leaving only the sweetness of their aroma behind.
It was an anointing that included death to self, symbolized by the myrrh that was used in embalming. If one submits to the anointing of God, it means death to one’s own agenda.
Pure cinnamon was added which symbolized the unique flavor or gifting that each person anointed would bring to the community. The unique aroma of gifting pleases everyone as it is used to flavor life.
Cane was the spice of authority. It is interesting that the cane needed first to be bruised before it would emit the sweet odor it was known for. In other words, God’s authority is best used by those not concerned about being bruised.
Cassia was the spice of worship. Taken from the Hebrew word which means to bend the body or neck in deference, it is the same word that the Hebrews used for worship. Those anointed by God must first be worshipers of God.
Olive oil was the most common yet precious commodity of Jewish life and served as the metaphor for the Holy Spirit. All the spices were mixed into this staple of life. Remember that the Holy Spirit is to be our staple of life from which all uniqueness flows.
The Book of Acts records that “the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” The name means followers of the Anointed One. To receive the anointing of God you must commit to spending time with the Anointed One.
And Sabbath is the time to do just that. Spend time with the Anointed One. Spend time with the Lord of the Sabbath. He has a fresh anointing for you!
