Anointed with the Spirit

Daily Reading: 1 Kings 1

Scripture Focus: There Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tent and anointed Solomon. (1 Kings 1.39)

Devotional Thought: The Books of First and Second Kings tell the history of Israel from the time of King Solomon to the beginning of the Babylonians captivity. At times the story is glorious, and at other times the rulers and the people commit shameful idolatry and immorality.

The story begins on a hopeful note. Even though somewhat turbulent, Solomon’s ascension to the throne avoided the violence that often accompanied such “contested” transitions. King Solomon, the son of David, was anointed as king in his father’s place, before David’s death. That anointing by the priest, put to rest all questions about who was to be the king. When David died, “Solomon sat on the throne of David his father, and his kingdom was firmly established” (1 Kings 2.12).

In the New Testament, we read that “it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee” (2 Corinthians 1.21-22). Jesus, our great High Priest (Hebrews 4.14), has anointed us with the Spirit. We have been anointed as sons and daughters of the King! That had been prophesied in Joel, and first happened in the book of Acts at Pentecost, when God poured out the Spirit on the Church.

The Bible says that we are a royal priesthood, that we shall reign with Jesus, and that it is God’s pleasure to give us the Kingdom. All questions about that promise have been put to rest, by God anointing us with his Spirit!

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, our great High Priest, for anointing us with the Spirit!

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119.1-8

1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless,

who walk in the law of the Lord!

2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,

who seek him with their whole heart,

3 who also do no wrong,

but walk in his ways!

4 You have commanded your precepts

to be kept diligently.

5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast

in keeping your statutes!

6 Then I shall not be put to shame,

having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.

7 I will praise you with an upright heart,

when I learn your righteous rules.

8 I will keep your statutes;

do not utterly forsake me!