Psalm 92:10 But my horn shall you exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil. The world, like the Athenians (Acts 17:2), is ever craving for some new thing. And they will take immense trouble to gratify this craving. It is a proof in itself, were there none other, that the world has nothing really satisfying to offer. Its happiness is always "in the next room." Real freshness, newness of heart and life, the secret of perpetual youth is to be found alone in Him in whom "all things are become new." Now, of this freshness the psalmist speaks in our text. Let us inquire — I. HIS MEANING. What is this oil? It is undoubtedly the type of the Holy Spirit. Now, this oil was — 1. Sacred (Psalm 89:20; Exodus 30:33). The tabernacle and all its furniture were sanctified by it. And it tells of the Holy Spirit (Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38) 2. Ennobling. Prophets, priests and kings were consecrated by it to their great offices. And those whom the Holy Spirit anoints are, now, made kings and priests unto God. 3. Invigorating, enabling. The Greek runners and wrestlers were anointed with oil, as it was supposed to give them strength and help in their contests. Undoubtedly it is so in the Christian race; this oil gives power for all we have to do or bear. The Church's crying need is power from on high. All human strength will fail to win a single soul if the power of the Holy Ghost is wanting. For instance of counterfeited power (Acts 19:13-17). Lay to heart Christ's words (Luke 24:49). 4. Uniting (Psalm 133:1, 2). Strife, anger, wrath — all depart under the influence of this anointing. 5. Gladdening. A joyous face is often a sermon in itself. Gladness of heart which shines out of us, whether we will or no, is no mean testimony to the presence of the Christ within. God wants us to be glad (Hebrews 1:9). If we are not, press the inquiry (Job 15:11). 6. Illumining and guiding (1 John 2:27). And — 7. Perfuming, fragrant. See the fragrance of Mary's alabaster box of ointment. And we are to be a sweet savour of Christ. II. THE CONDITION OF THIS ANOINTING. 1. Union with the anointed one — Christ. 2. Abiding in Christ. If we walk after the flesh, this anointing cannot rest on us. "Upon man's flesh it shall not be poured." Are we in communion with Him now? (E. W. Moore, M.A.) Parallel Verses KJV: But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.WEB: But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox. I am anointed with fresh oil. |
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