How can we apply the concept of "anoint them" to modern Christian ministry? The Original Command “After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and on his sons, you are to anoint them and ordain them and consecrate them, so that they may serve Me as priests.” – Exodus 28:41 What Anointing Signified in Exodus 28:41 • Setting apart for sacred service • Publicly affirming God’s choice and authority • Imparting Holy Spirit empowerment (cf. 1 Samuel 16:13) • Marking a permanent, covenantal identity Christ, the Ultimate Anointed One • Isaiah 61:1 foretells Messiah: “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me…” • Acts 10:38: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power…” • Every New-Covenant anointing flows from union with Him. From Oil to the Spirit • Physical oil still speaks, yet the substance is the Spirit Himself (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). • “...you have an anointing from the Holy One” (1 John 2:20). • The Church is now a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9); therefore anointing is corporate as well as individual. Practical Ways to Apply “Anoint Them” Today 1. Recognize and Set Apart Servants – Lay hands and anoint with oil when installing elders, missionaries, or ministry leaders (Acts 13:2-3). 2. Depend on the Spirit’s Empowerment – Teach that gifting is not self-generated but Spirit-given (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). 3. Practice Healing Ministry – “Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil…” (James 5:14). 4. Model Holy Living – Just as priests were consecrated, leaders today guard purity (1 Timothy 4:12). 5. Affirm Identity in Christ – Remind believers they already bear God’s seal and anointing (Ephesians 1:13). 6. Cultivate Continual Filling – Encourage prayer, worship, and obedience so the Spirit’s anointing remains fresh (Ephesians 5:18). 7. Use Symbols Wisely – Oil, commissioning services, and public prayer visibly preach invisible truths, teaching the congregation to honor God’s order. Guardrails for Modern Use • Avoid superstition—oil has no power apart from faith in Christ. • Stay biblical—link every anointing act to clear Scripture. • Protect integrity—only qualified leaders should administer (1 Timothy 3:1-7). • Keep Christ central—the goal is His glory, not personal status. Encouragement to Walk in the Anointing God still “anoints” ordinary people for extraordinary service. Receive His setting apart, rely on His Spirit, and step into ministry with confidence that the same Lord who consecrated Aaron now empowers His Church. |
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