Victory Through Anointing: How God's Divine Empowerment Leads to Triumph

Now this I know:

The Lord gives victory to His anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of His right hand.—Psalms 20:6

The word "anointed" is rich with meaning in the Bible, and it carries implications for those who are called by God. But what does it truly mean to be anointed? Is it reserved for a select few, or is it something more?

In the biblical context, to be "anointed" means to be consecrated, set apart, and empowered by God for a specific purpose. Anointing often involved the physical act of pouring oil over someone's head, symbolizing God's blessing, favor, and the impartation of His Spirit. This was done for kings, priests, and prophets, signifying that they were chosen by God for a particular role.

One of the most well-known examples of anointing is King David. The prophet Samuel anointed David with oil, signifying that God had chosen him to be king over Israel. "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David" (1 Samuel 16:13). This anointing was not just symbolic; it was accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit, enabling David to fulfill his God-given role.

The anointing of Aaron and his sons as priests is another significant example. "Then you shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him" (Exodus 29:7). This act set them apart to minister in the tabernacle, signifying that they were dedicated to serving God and His people.

The prophet Elisha was anointed by Elijah to carry on the prophetic ministry. "So Elijah went from there and found Elisha... and Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him" (1 Kings 19:19). The cloak symbolized the transfer of prophetic authority and the anointing of God’s Spirit.

In the New Testament, the concept of anointing is expanded. It is no longer limited to kings, priests, and prophets but is extended to all believers through the Holy Spirit.

Jesus is often referred to as "the Christ," which means "the Anointed One." Luke 4:18 records Jesus saying, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor."

Jesus' anointing by the Holy Spirit was the ultimate fulfillment of what it means to be set apart and empowered by God.

In 1 John 2:20, believers are said to have an anointing from the Holy One: "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth." This indicates that through faith in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, all believers are anointed by God. This anointing empowers us to live out our faith, to discern truth, and to carry out the mission God has given us.

Are There Qualifications for Being Anointed?

Biblically, anointing is not about meeting human qualifications or achieving a certain status. It is a sovereign act of God, upon those He chooses for His purposes. In the Old Testament, God anointed specific individuals for specific roles. In the New Testament, the anointing extends to all who are in Christ. It is not about being part of a select few; it is about being part of God's chosen people, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

If you are in Christ, you are anointed. This means you are set apart by God, empowered by His Spirit, and equipped for the good works He has prepared for you. The same victorious power of God's right hand that gave victory to the anointed in Psalms 20:6 is available to you through Jesus Christ.

It's essential to recognize that while many claim to be in Christ, not all truly are. Some may profess faith, but their lives reflect that they are in themselves rather than in Christ. Scripture urges us to discern the truth by examining the fruit of their lives and testing the spirits, for God's anointed are marked by genuine victory and divine power.

Jesus warns us in Matthew 7:16-20:

"You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits, you will know them."

This passage emphasizes that true believers will demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit in their lives, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). If someone's life consistently produces bad fruit—anger, bitterness, deceit, and divisiveness—it’s a sign that they may not be walking in true fellowship with Christ.

John further instructs us to test the spirits in 1 John 4:1:

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world."

This verse reminds us that not everyone who claims to speak for God actually does. 

We must be vigilant, discerning whether a message aligns with the truth of Scripture and the character of God. True spirits will acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and will be consistent with the teachings of the Bible. God’s anointed are not just those who say they follow Christ; they are those who walk in victory, empowered by God’s Spirit. Psalm 20:6 reminds us:

"Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand."

God’s anointed are distinguished by the victories they experience through Him. They may face trials, but they are sustained and strengthened by the power of God’s right hand—a symbol of His righteousness and strength.

The right hand of God is a powerful biblical symbol, representing His authority, power, and righteousness. God’s anointed walk in the strength of this hand, assured that they are supported by His divine might. If you want to dig deeper into this symbolism, I invite you to read my articles: "The Symbolism of God's Right Hand: A Source of Righteousness and Strength" and "What Secrets Does the Bible Reveal About the 'Right Hand of God'?" or simply study it for yourself.

As believers, it's crucial to examine our own lives and the lives of those we follow. 

Are we bearing good fruit?

Are we truly in Christ, or are we merely in ourselves?

Let us seek God earnestly, asking for the discernment to recognize His anointed and the grace to walk in the victory He has promised. The victorious power of God’s right hand is available to all who are truly in Christ, empowering us to live lives that reflect His glory and strength.

May we be found in Christ, walking in the victory He provides, and bearing fruit that testifies to His presence in our lives.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I come before You in Jesus' Name. I thank You for Your Word, which teaches, corrects, guides, and realigns our lives. I lift up this reader and their family to You! I Thank You, Father, for the anointing You have placed upon us and for those You have anointed to guide and speak into our lives.

Lord, help us to discern and test the spirits of those around us, not to embrace others simply because they are admired by the masses, for that is where deceit can take root in our hearts. Empower us to resist the pull of the crowd and to seek Your truth above all else.

Father, teach us to bear good fruit in our lives. If there is any rotten fruit trying to take hold, I ask that You swiftly cut it off at the root. Reveal to us the specific role You have given us to walk in victory, and lead us in fulfilling that purpose.

Father, if by any chance we are living outside of Christ or following those who are not truly in Christ, please expose the bad fruit in our lives. Reveal to us the true nature of those who act as shepherds but are, in fact, wolves in disguise.

Thank You for the victory You have given us as Your anointed in Christ. Thank You for the power of Your hand over our lives, and for always answering us from Your heavenly sanctuary. We trust in Your righteous right hand to lead and sustain us.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

© 2024 Amanda Allen. All rights reserved.

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