It will be “granted” in today’s Lesson that “oil” in the Bible is often a symbol of the Holy Spirit of God.
Thus, when Aaron the High Priest of Israel was “ordained, dedicated” as the holder of that high and holy office … “Moses (directly obeying God) poured of the anointing OIL upon Aaron’s head, and anointed him, to sanctify him.” Leviticus 8:12
Psalm 133:1 recounts this scenario as well. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious OINTMENT (OIL) upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments.”
First … the priest was washed in the “water” of the Word.
Next … he was soaked in the “oil” of the Holy Ghost!
Recently I saw a Book, the content of which centered on this very “coupling” … the Word of God and the Holy Spirit working together in a synergetic manner … empowering those who live for Jesus, and those who preach the Scriptures!
Jesus (“Christ” in fact means “The Anointed One”) was certainly so endowed! (In fact, our great High Priest, even at His Baptism, was filled with the Holy Spirit, visibly demonstrated as a Dove, descending from Heaven!)
John 3:34 says of Jesus and the Spirit: “For God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.” Unto Jesus, an immeasurable Anointing!
Other important things were done on that great Day of Consecration, to both Aaron and his sons. Detailed (but meaningful) ritual emphasizing the seriousness of their priestly service. I have here in today’s Lesson mentioned the two that have stood out in my mind.
The Word and the Spirit … when armed with Both, let us go forth to serve the Lord, let’s go preach the Greatest Book ever written!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
This is “olive oil” we have been discussing, not crude oil from the ground. Obtained by crushing the fruit of the olive tree. (Only when Jesus was “crushed” on Calvary did the Oil of the Holy Spirit fully flow, Pentecost!) John 7:39 … “The Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.”)
This is olive oil … that when applied “makes one’s face shine!” According to Psalm 104:15. The pleasant (almost visible) “glow” of the Spirit of God in one’s life.
This is olive oil … that provides “light” on those dark nights in ancient Israel, via little clay lamps!
This is olive oil that aids cooking, providing “food” for the hungry! And “taste” for the palate (the roof of the mouth) too.
This is olive oil that is used in “healing” (an antiseptic) wounds, sores! See Luke 10:34, the Parable of the Good Samaritan. “And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in OIL and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.”
Wow, there’s more!
But all of the foregoing uses typify the Holy Spirit in His marvelous Ministry with us yet today!
Ponder these two necessities … God’s WORD and God the HOLY SPIRIT … as you faithfully serve our Saviour!
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