Sunday, August 12, 2012

The Oil – Part 2 of 3

As mentioned in the previous series “The Blood,” oil was also used symbolically to represent the Holy Spirit. In the time of the New Testament Church, believers anointed the sick with oil and prayed for them. Many were healed as a result. Many Christians today continue the practice of praying for the sick and anointing them with oil.

With prayer, we can also anoint people with oil for joy and gladness. The oil represents the joy and gladness that the Spirit gives to replace the spirit of heaviness and mourning (Is. 61:1-3). Despite a hurting and messed-up world, we can live free of fear, depression, anxiety, and undue sadness. Part of Jesus’ ministry was to heal the brokenhearted and to bind up their wounds (Ps. 147:3), and He continues this ministry by His Spirit.

In the time of the Old Testament, when prophets, priests, and kings were commissioned, they were anointed with oil. This was to consecrate them and to set them apart. Typically, with the anointing, the Holy Spirit would come upon them. The Bible speaks of the Holy Spirit being poured out on anyone who believes (Joel 2:28 & 29; Acts 2:16-18). He is there to lead us, teach us, and empower us for service.

Olive oil was also commonly used as fuel to light lamps. The Word of God is described as a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (Ps. 119:105). Just as the oil brings life to the lamp, so the Spirit brings life to the Word by making the Scriptures plain to us. Just like the oil, the Spirit illuminates what we cannot see or understand, and guides us on our way.

8 comments:

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    1. I'm glad you liked it. If you think of us, please pray for us as we have flu and hubby and I are the worst off at the moment. God bless!

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  2. Very interesting post. My religion still uses consecrated oil for blessings- especially in times of great sickness. This post provided a lot of interesting insight. Thanks! Just found your blog and I'm so glad I did! I've enjoyed getting to know you better and feeling uplifted. I'm excited to follow along!

    new follower :)
    bonnie
    bonnielouisa.blogspot.com

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    1. Hi again, Bonnie! I replied to you on my blog, Amanda's Books and More. I hope you don't mind that I called you Bon. It kind of stuck after I liked your FB page, The Life of Bon. Anyway, I'm glad you found this post interesting and I hope you visit often! Have a great week!

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  3. I found this interesting too... Bon and I are from the same religion, and it's great to read a bit more about oil as used in New Testament times. Thanks for sharing!
    Newest follower :)
    Of Thoughts and Things

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    1. Thanks Ashley! I like your profile pic with the horse. I'm now following you back and have left a comment on your blog. By the way, I've been sick, that's why I haven't added a new post in quite a while. I'm starting to feel better and hopefully by tomorrow I can get part 3 posted. Take care!

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  4. Feel free to link up any awesome reviews to Favorite Product Fridays ;)

    www.thenaptimereview.com

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    1. Thanks Naptime Review! You've done really well with your blog in such a short time. I'm not in the States or Canada (I'm in South Africa), so I haven't been doing reviews or giveaways. I hope lots of people link up! Have a great week!

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