So he sent and had him brought in. He was ruddy, with a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; he is he one.”

I Samuel 16:12

The word anoint comes from the Hebrew word masah, which means to “anoint, smear, consecrate.” It occurs approximately 70 times in the Old Testament. It is used most frequently in the sense of a setting apart for an office or function. When Jesse’s youngest son, David, came in from the fields, the Lord told Samuel to “rise and anoint him.” So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed David in the presence of his brothers. Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power. Later, Isaiah 61 describes the Spirit of the Lord coming to anoint one who would bring freedom to the captives.

Jesus Christ tells the people in the synagogue that He is the fulfillment of that prophecy: The Spirit of the Lord is on me because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners. (Luke 4:18)

Then He sent the anointing of His Holy Spirit to be upon us as believers and to enable us to be courageous leaders. (I John 2:20, Isaiah 61:1-2) At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came like “tongues of fire,” resting on the believers. After Pentecost, we saw Peter, who had denied Christ out of fear three times, become one of the most courageous leaders for Christ that we have ever known. Anointed by the Holy Spirit, Peter was empowered to witness about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He no longer cowered in fear for his life, but instead he became bold and was willing to give his all for Christ. Are you willing to do the same?

Heavenly Father,

Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I might be like Peter and boldly tell others about You.

Give me the heart of David that I might demonstrate Your power through my life. Help me to remember that apart from Your Holy Spirit I am powerless to live a godly life and continue to fill me daily with Your Holy Spirit.

In Jesus’ name, Amen