One of the areas in Christianity that has often been misunderstood is the subject of the Holy Spirit. Many people associate the Holy Spirit’s ministry primarily with speaking in tongues. While that is certainly a manifestation of the Holy Spirit, it is just a small aspect of the vast work of the Holy Spirit. We need to understand Him in a broader sense, so that we can fully comprehend His role in both our lives and the world. There is a book on the Holy Spirit, and if you’d like to get a copy, feel free to contact us through the details below this post or send us a WhatsApp message. Today, we will explore one of the aspects of the Holy Spirit, specifically His anointing. You may wonder why, when people are filled with the Holy Spirit, the Bible uses the term “they were filled” rather than saying “they were clothed” or “they were fed.” If we say someone was “clothed,” it implies the Holy Spirit is like a piece of clothing. If we say “fed,” it implies He is like food. However, the term “filled” is used to imply that the Holy Spirit comes to us as a liquid, and that liquid is nothing else but OIL. The Holy Spirit comes to us like oil, and it is essential to recognize this truth. However, not everyone has all the anointing of the Holy Spirit as Jesus did. Today, we will look at the different kinds of anointing available to believers, and encourage ourselves to receive them through the help of the Holy Spirit. 1. The Anointing of Power This anointing is found in UNITY. Psalm 133:1-2“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes.” (ESV) The anointing of power is seen when believers come together in unity. The Bible compares unity among the saints to the anointing oil that flows down from Aaron’s head to the edges of his robes. This is a powerful anointing because where there is unity, there is strength. This was evident in the early church when, during the day of Pentecost, believers gathered together in one accord, praying and seeking the Lord (Acts 1:12-14). Suddenly, the Holy Spirit came upon them, filling them with power. They became bold witnesses of Jesus Christ from that day onward (Acts 2). Similarly, in Acts 4:31, when the believers gathered for prayer, “the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” (NIV). This is a powerful reminder that the anointing of the Holy Spirit is released when we come together in unity, particularly in prayer and fasting. 2. The Anointing of Joy This comes through PURITY and HOLINESS. Hebrews 1:8-9“But of the Son He says: ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your companions.’” (ESV) The anointing of joy is linked to holiness and purity. When we pursue righteousness and hate wickedness, God fills us with a special kind of joy, an inner gladness that is greater than any worldly happiness. This joy surpasses human understanding and even endures through trials and hardships (Luke 10:21). Jesus Himself displayed this joy, even while enduring the suffering on the cross (Colossians 2:15). As believers who love righteousness and holiness, we receive this anointing of joy, which becomes a powerful testimony to the world that the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Even amidst challenges, the oil of joy makes us shine with gladness. 3. The Anointing of Discernment This is released as we TREASURE GOD’S WORD in our hearts. 1 John 2:26-27“I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in Him.” (ESV) The anointing of discernment comes through holding God’s Word within us. The more we internalize the Scriptures, the more we are able to recognize the voice of God and discern His will. The Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to guide, teach, and help us differentiate between truth and falsehood. If you are a believer who has been in Christ for many years and have never read the entire Bible, there are levels of communication that God may not have revealed to you yet. However, as we dive deeper into the Word, the Holy Spirit continues to release this anointing of discernment in our lives. 4. The Anointing of Service This is released when we receive LAYING ON OF HANDS or PRAYER from spiritual leaders. In the church, there are specific blessings and anointings that cannot be accessed by individual effort alone, but through the impartation of those who have gone before us in the faith. Elijah anointed Elisha (1 Kings 19:15-16), and Elisha received a double portion of the anointing. Moses anointed the seventy elders, and part of his spirit was transferred to them (Numbers 11:16-25). Samuel anointed Saul and David to become kings of Israel (1 Samuel 15:1, 16:12). Paul laid hands on Timothy, imparting the gift of leadership to him (2 Timothy 1:6). We should never despise or neglect the ministry of spiritual leaders. Even if they have weaknesses, they have been chosen by God to impart grace and anointing to help us grow and fulfill God’s call on our lives. Conclusion As we reflect on these four types of anointing—the anointing of power, joy, discernment, and service—we see how essential it is to receive them in order to draw nearer to the Lord and follow the example of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit desires to reveal Himself more fully in our lives, and we should be diligent in receiving these anointings so that we may walk in greater grace and empowerment. May the Lord bless you richly as you pursue all that He has for you through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Shalom. This translation and rewrite aims to provide both clarity and depth, while incorporating the biblical references and theological context to ensure a deeper understanding of the anointing of the Holy spirit.
The Arameans (also known as Syrians) were a people frequently mentioned in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. Some key passages that reference them include: 2 Samuel 8:6 – “David put garrisons in the Aramean kingdom of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to him and brought tribute. The Lord gave David victory wherever he went.” 1 Kings 20:21 2 Kings 5:2 Jeremiah 35:11 Amos 9:7 These references show the significant and sometimes adversarial relationship between the Arameans and the Israelites. Geographical and Historical Identity The Arameans were originally inhabitants of a region known in Hebrew as Aram, which corresponds largely to what we now call Syria. In Swahili, Syria is referred to as “Shamu,” hence the people were called Washami (Arameans). Their capital was Damascus, which remains the capital of Syria today. While modern-day Syrians are largely Arabs (descendants of Ishmael), they are not the same ethnic group as the biblical Arameans. Over centuries, due to conquests and migrations, the original Aramean identity and culture were assimilated or lost. A Notable Biblical Event Involving the Arameans One of the most memorable stories involving the Arameans is found in 2 Kings 6:8–23. The Aramean army was sent to capture the prophet Elisha, but through God’s power, Elisha struck them with blindness and led them into the city of Samaria. Here is the key part of that narrative: 2 Kings 6:15–17 (NIV): “When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. ‘Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?’ the servant asked. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” This passage teaches a profound spiritual truth: God’s protection is greater than any threat we may see with human eyes. Theological Significance In the Bible, the Arameans often symbolize the enemies of God’s people. While they were real historical nations, they can also represent spiritual opposition in a symbolic or allegorical sense. The frequent battles between Israel and the Arameans remind believers that the Christian life is a spiritual battle, but one in which God is our defender. Just as Elisha told his servant not to be afraid, the same message applies to us today. When we belong to Christ, God’s angelic army surrounds and protects us. As believers, we are not alone, no matter what the circumstances look like. Romans 8:31 (NIV): “If God is for us, who can be against us?” However, this divine protection applies to those who are under the covering of Christ’s blood—those who have received salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Without that relationship, we are vulnerable to the enemy. A Call to Salvation So the ultimate question is: Have you received Christ as your Lord and Savior?If not, today is the best day to make that decision. The Bible says: 2 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV): “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” Only in Christ do we have lasting protection, peace, and victory over every spiritual enemy. Conclusion The Arameans were a real historical people who played a major role in the biblical narrative. Spiritually, they remind us of the reality of opposition, but also of the sovereignty and protection of God. Let us walk daily in the assurance that those who are with us—God’s heavenly hosts—are greater than those who are against us. If you desire to know more about this salvation or have questions about faith in Christ, feel free to reach out to a trusted believer, local church, or ministry near you. God bless you.