Anointing Spirit
Scripture Reading — 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him . . . and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.
When people were anointed (and filled with the Spirit) in the Old Testament, it was usually for a specific time and purpose. For example, when the Spirit came on Saul (who was anointed the first king of Israel before David), Saul joined with some prophets in speaking God’s word (see 1 Samuel 9-10). This sign reassured Saul and all Israel that God had chosen him as their first king. Later, however, Saul spurned God’s word, so the Holy Spirit left him.
Now, after God had chosen David and Samuel had anointed him, “the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully” on David “from that day on.” David remained anointed to the end of his life, and though he wasn’t perfect, God promised that his throne would be “established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16).
Why didn’t the Spirit leave David? Because God had graciously chosen to anoint David permanently and to provide the Savior of the world, Jesus, through David’s family line. This was a major step in fulfilling God’s promise to anoint or fill all of his children—female and male, young and old alike.
So when, by God’s grace, we come to believe in Jesus, we too are anointed permanently with the Holy Spirit. As you ponder the Spirit’s work in your life today, remember the promise that God will never leave or forsake you!
God, you have anointed us with your Holy Spirit. Help us to trust you and to serve you in your world. Amen.
About the author — Kurt Selles
Kurt Selles is the director of ReFrame Ministries and serves as the Executive Editor of Today. He is a graduate of Calvin College and Seminary, and received his PhD from Vanderbilt University. Before coming to ReFrame, he served 19 years in Taiwan and China with CRC World Missions. Kurt later taught missions at Beeson Divinity School, where he also acted as the director of the school’s Global Center. Kurt and his wife, Vicki, reside in Grand Rapids and have three adult children.
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