The concept of "The Power of God's Anointed" is a significant theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the divine authority and empowerment bestowed upon individuals chosen by God for specific purposes. This anointing signifies a special consecration and endowment of the Holy Spirit, enabling the anointed to fulfill God's will with divine authority and strength.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the anointing of individuals for leadership roles is a recurring theme. The Hebrew word for "anointed" is "mashiach," from which the term "Messiah" is derived. Anointing with oil was a symbolic act representing the Holy Spirit's empowerment.

One of the earliest examples is the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel. In 1 Samuel 10:1, Samuel anoints Saul, saying, "Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?" . This anointing signifies Saul's divine appointment and the power granted to him to lead Israel.

David, the second king of Israel, is another prominent figure who was anointed by God. In 1 Samuel 16:13, it is recorded, "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward" . David's anointing empowered him to defeat Goliath, lead Israel, and establish a kingdom that foreshadowed the eternal reign of the Messiah.

Prophetic Anointing

The prophets of Israel were also anointed by God to deliver His messages and guide the people. Isaiah 61:1 speaks of this anointing: "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor" . This passage not only refers to the prophetic mission but also points forward to the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ.

The Anointed One: Jesus Christ

The New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the anointed roles of prophet, priest, and king. The Greek equivalent of "mashiach" is "Christos," meaning "Christ." Jesus is recognized as the Messiah, the Anointed One, who embodies the fullness of God's power and authority.

In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue, declaring, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor" . This declaration affirms His divine mission and the power of His anointing to bring salvation and healing.

The Anointing of Believers

The New Testament extends the concept of anointing to all believers, who are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out their faith and fulfill God's purposes. In 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, Paul writes, "Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us, placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come" . This anointing signifies the believer's identity in Christ and the power to live a life that reflects His glory.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the anointing process, as He is the source of divine power and guidance. In Acts 1:8, Jesus promises His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" . This empowerment through the Holy Spirit enables believers to carry out the Great Commission and live victoriously in their spiritual journey.

Conclusion

The power of God's anointed is a testament to His sovereign choice and the divine enablement given to fulfill His purposes. From the kings and prophets of Israel to Jesus Christ and the Church, the anointing signifies a sacred calling and the presence of the Holy Spirit, equipping the anointed to accomplish God's will with authority and power.