Epaggelia

The oil of anointing was used widely throughout the history of Israel. Almost as widely as blood was used. Actually sometimes both anointing oil and blood were used together, see Exodus 29:21. The anointing oil was used primarily for making people and utensils holy in the Temple. Not necessarily for sacrifice, as holy, but for service as holy. This is an important aspect of purpose in the Spirit, when John refers to him as the Anointing in 1st John 2:20-27. The Priesthood used this oil for many reasons, but primarily it was to keep things holy and used in service to God, it was made according to God’s recipe in Exodus 30:23-29. The reason it is important to make the link in thought is because the Greek word for “anointing” is anglicized as “CHRISMA”, meaning a “smearing or ointment”. Hopefully you can see how closely related the word is to Christ. Jesus says, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and the regaining of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed,” (Luke 4:18) In a very real sense, we as the church are called to do the same thing spiritually, as we have the Spirit of Christ, Romans 8:9. 

When we realize how important and useful the Spirit of Christ is in our lives, We should feel a sense of gratitude for the privilege of having that “anointing” as the gift He is, Acts 2:38-39. 

Christ Jesus was born with wisemen delivering gifts including Myrrh which was used in the holy anointing oil of the priesthood for service to God, also Frankincense was used in holy anointing oil for priests to come into the presence of God, Ex. 30:34-36. These gifts would be an obvious message to Mary about the mission and identity of her child. In reference to the gift of gold, it’s use was prevalent in the Temple and in all the courts of royalty. There is an interesting point to make between King David and Jesus Christ., They were anointed in the context of royal service to the Lord and for the Lord’s people. See 1st Samuel 16:13, “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward”.  Christ Jesus was shown to be God’s Son when a dove came to light upon him at his baptism, in the midst of his brothers, and he was also in at least two different occasions anointed with oil, (Mark 14:8, Luke 7:38-46 & John 12:3) At the close of his ministry He was crowned with thorns and given a sign to make public the charge for his crucifixion, “Jesus of Nazareth, The King of the Jews”, John 19:19-22. The Jewish leaders had a problem with this, and requested it read, “He Said” or “He Claimed”. However, Pilate rejected their request. God was working to confirm the sovereignty of Christ as King of kings. Later the Apostle Peter proclaimed the church as a “royal priesthood and holy nation”, 1st Peter 2:9. Why? Because of our calling, duty, identity and destiny. The Spirit of Christ in the Christian is as essential as wise virgins keeping oil in their lamp! Please read Matthew 25:1-13.