12/08/2022
Oil plays an important role in the lives of the believer, it is used to anoint the godly, heals us, lights our way, serves as an offering, brings us gladness, and has so many other uses. The question each of us should ask ourselves today is what manner of oil do we bring into the world around us? Is the oil we carry fragrant, holy, and filled with joy, or is it a thick black unrefined oil that might lubricate man’s machines, but stains all that it touches? So today let’s begin to ask ourselves each day what manner of oil we bring with us as we walk out into our day.
“you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;”
Psalm 45:7 ESV
As one of three elder men that comprised my church’s intercessory prayer team it became habitual for me to carry a vial of oil with me wherever I went. I have done this for years, and it is the first thing that goes into my pocket each day. Over the years I have anointed men of God and prayed over them, anointed the sick as I prayed healing prayer over them, anointed babies, children, mothers, fathers, and those who were suffering in life, but despite the reason for the anointing this oil also brings with it hope, a tangible touch, and the lingering feel, and smell of holiness. After anointing and praying for someone we both go our way changed, and with a distinct and fragrant smell of having brushed up against the Lord. What is the fragrance of the oil that we choose to bring into the lives of those around us? What manner of healing or softening do we carry with us into the wounded world?
“Why will you still be struck down? Why will you continue to rebel? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but bruises and sores and raw wounds; they are not pressed out or bound up or softened with oil.”
Isaiah 1:5-6 ESV
The world is full of sin, and as such it is abrasive in nature, unrighteous, and smells of disease, but if we will, we can bring the healing oil of God into it, and through His Son Jesus, that He sent to redeem us, we can take away the foul odor of death. This is the finest oil we possess, and yet is given freely to all who ask us for it. The oil of God sanctifies us, cleanses us, and soothes our troubled spirits with the touch of His own. So let’s ask ourselves again… what manner of oil do we carry with us into the world, and let’s also ask ourselves who we will encounter that will need to be anointed by us, and warrant our prayers today?
I have anointed people with oil in many places, churches, airplanes, automobiles, homes, outside, and in businesses. I have offered it, and been asked for it, but regardless of where, why, or whether it was asked for or I was called to offer it, the result is the same… a touch from God, and the lingering scent that we carry away with us.
“Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.”
Proverbs 27:9 ESV
One afternoon I came home from work and two of my grandchildren were playing in my backyard. When they saw me step out of my car they ran to greet me and hugged me tight. Then my granddaughter looked at me and asked “Andad, have you been to church?” To which I responded “No, I have been at work. Why?” and then she said something I will never forget, she said “You smell like church.”
Many of us know this smell, but don’t know that it is common enough that it actually has a name… Osmogenesia, or the odor of sanctity which is a sweet aroma that is often associated with sanctification, and with saints in the church. This is the fragrance we should present to the world, and that should draw sinners to Jesus through us… the oil of God.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
Psalm 23:5 ESV
So have we decided which oil we will bring into the world today? Will it bear the scent of love, joy, happiness, peace, comfort, or any one of other scents that we associate with the God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit? Will it follow us throughout the day and draw others out of the world, and towards the kingdom of God?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the oil you pour over us, and for sanctifying us with it. Thank you for this gift you give us, and for allowing us to share it with others; the sweet scent of church, and the Osmogenesia of saints, which has come from our association with you. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God whose oil is Holy, and who hears the prayers of His saints as we pray and anoint others in the name of Jesus. Praised be your name for every person we are presented with, and led to anoint. Merciful are you who uses anointing oil to comfort, heal, and bless us in so many ways. We anoint with oil as you have instructed us to, and advertise your grace by the aura and scent that lingers in us afterward. Great are you whose kingdom glistens, and whose aroma is sweeter than either honey, or the flowers of the field. Cleanse us Father in the sweet blood of Jesus, and transform us with the oil of your presence. Announce us worthy on the day of our judgement, and seat us at your table that has been set with fragrant oils, sweet fruit, and fine meats. There we will praise you forevermore, and sing of your glory throughout eternity.
Rich Forbes