We often hear the word "anointed" used to describe a powerful sermon or a moving worship song. While the power of God is undeniable in those moments, "anointing" and "power" are not actually synonyms. To understand our walk with God, we must distinguish between the two: Anointing is about being chosen and set apart for a specific divine purpose.
The Origins of Anointing
The term "anoint" literally means to rub with oil or ointment. In ancient times, this was a practical act of protection. Shepherds would pour oil over their sheep's heads to keep insects from burrowing into their ears—a literal life-saver for the flock. Over time, this evolved into a powerful symbol of blessing, protection, and empowerment.
In the Old Testament, God commanded the anointing of sacred objects and people:
Jesus: The Ultimate Anointed One
The word "Christ" actually means "The Anointed One." Jesus was chosen and empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill a specific mission: to preach the gospel, heal the brokenhearted, and set the captives free. His power was the result of His anointing—His divine selection for the task at hand.
Luke 4:18-19 NIV [18] “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, [19] to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
You Are Anointed
The most beautiful truth for a believer is that anointing is no longer reserved for a select few. God has established and anointed every single believer.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV [21] Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, [22] set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
This anointing is:
Permanent: It is a seal that never leaves you.
Equal: There are no "levels" of anointing. You are either set apart for God or you aren't. While we have different gifts , one believer is not "more anointed" than another.
Romans 12:4-8 NIV [4] For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, [5] so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. [6] We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; [7] if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; [8] if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Instructional: The Holy Spirit within you teaches you and helps you abide in Him.
1 John 2:27 NIV As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.
Anointing vs. Preparedness
If we are all equally anointed, why does it feel like some moments are "more anointed" than others? The difference isn't the anointing; it’s the preparedness.
While the anointing is a gift from God that remains constant, our sensitivity to it changes based on our fellowship with Him. Through prayer, fasting, and studying the Word, we build the "spiritual muscle" to move when the Spirit moves.
When a pastor or a friend prays and the power of God is evident, it isn't because they reached a higher "level" of anointing. It is because they have paid the price in the secret place—waiting on the Lord and seeking His mind—to be a ready vessel for His power to flow through.
The Bottom Line: You have been chosen, enabled, and empowered by God for good works prepared just for you. Walk confidently in the anointing you already possess!
The Origins of Anointing
The term "anoint" literally means to rub with oil or ointment. In ancient times, this was a practical act of protection. Shepherds would pour oil over their sheep's heads to keep insects from burrowing into their ears—a literal life-saver for the flock. Over time, this evolved into a powerful symbol of blessing, protection, and empowerment.
In the Old Testament, God commanded the anointing of sacred objects and people:
- The Tabernacle:
- Priests:
- Kings:
Jesus: The Ultimate Anointed One
The word "Christ" actually means "The Anointed One." Jesus was chosen and empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill a specific mission: to preach the gospel, heal the brokenhearted, and set the captives free. His power was the result of His anointing—His divine selection for the task at hand.
Luke 4:18-19 NIV [18] “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, [19] to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
You Are Anointed
The most beautiful truth for a believer is that anointing is no longer reserved for a select few. God has established and anointed every single believer.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 NIV [21] Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, [22] set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
This anointing is:
Permanent: It is a seal that never leaves you.
Equal: There are no "levels" of anointing. You are either set apart for God or you aren't. While we have different gifts , one believer is not "more anointed" than another.
Romans 12:4-8 NIV [4] For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, [5] so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. [6] We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; [7] if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; [8] if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Instructional: The Holy Spirit within you teaches you and helps you abide in Him.
1 John 2:27 NIV As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.
Anointing vs. Preparedness
If we are all equally anointed, why does it feel like some moments are "more anointed" than others? The difference isn't the anointing; it’s the preparedness.
While the anointing is a gift from God that remains constant, our sensitivity to it changes based on our fellowship with Him. Through prayer, fasting, and studying the Word, we build the "spiritual muscle" to move when the Spirit moves.
When a pastor or a friend prays and the power of God is evident, it isn't because they reached a higher "level" of anointing. It is because they have paid the price in the secret place—waiting on the Lord and seeking His mind—to be a ready vessel for His power to flow through.
The Bottom Line: You have been chosen, enabled, and empowered by God for good works prepared just for you. Walk confidently in the anointing you already possess!
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