Feb 02 – Oil Of Anointing

“And you shall speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘This shall be a holy anointing oil to Me throughout your generations” (Exodus 30: 31).

The Lord instructed Moses that the tabernacle and all its utensils should be anointed with the holy oil of anointing. This instruction is a foreshadow of the thorough involvement of the Holy Spirit in all matters concerning redemption. Holy oil of anointing is not some ordinary oil, but prepared in a special manner, according to the clear instructions that the Lord gave to Moses.

With regard to its preparation, we read in the Scripture as follows: “Also take for yourself quality spices—five hundred shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much sweet-smelling cinnamon (two hundred and fifty shekels), two hundred and fifty shekels of sweet-smelling cane, five hundred shekels of cassia, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, and a hin of olive oil. And you shall make from these a holy anointing oil, an ointment compounded according to the art of the perfumer. It shall be a holy anointing oil” (Exodus 30: 23-25).

Firstly, ‘myrrh’ is the resin that oozes out of a tree, when ripped with a sharp knife. This is comparable to the tearful prayer that comes out of a broken and contrite heart. Secondly, ‘sweet-smelling cinnamon’ is full of nice aroma. This reminds you that you should always be a sweet-smelling aroma of Christ, in your lives.

Thirdly, ‘sweet-smelling cane ’or ‘calamus’. This is a herb which cures difficulty in speech. When applied on the tongue of the babies, it helps in the development of speech. This reminds us of the need to speak in tongues. Fourthly, ‘cassia’ should be added in the preparation of the holy oil of anointing. It is the bark of cassia tree, and this shows the need to change and remove the short-sighted attitudes in our life.

When olive oil is added to the above four ingredients, it is turned into the holy oil of anointing. That oil reveals the characteristics to be found in a servant of God. Children of God, it is most essential for you to be seized by the Holy Spirit and to continually progress from holiness to holiness.

Verse for further meditation: “And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you” (Joshua 3: 5).