BETHESDA CATHEDRAL – WORD EDIFICATION (17 Oct 2014)
Announcements
1. Parents & Grandparents Day Gospel Outreach. Wed, 22 Oct, 6:30 -9:30 pm.
Speaker: Rev Oh Beng Kee. $10 per pax. (Your elderly guest come free!)
2. Prayer & Praise: Every Wed, 8pm, Chapel.
Word released: “My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should
bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him
from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” James 5:19-20
Word Edification – The Holy Anointing Oil
Speaker: Elder Leong Sow Hoe
Scripture text: Exodus 30:22-33
In the book of Exodus, God gave instructions to Moses concerning the making of the anointing
oil and its proper usage. The anointing oil represents the indwelling presence and power of the
Holy Spirit in the believers. It is given to all believers for their service to the Lord.
A) The Formula of the Anointing Oil
There are five ingredients in the making of the anointing oil. The number five symbolises that
the anointing is a gift of God. Hence, the anointing not something you deserve, but is given to
you freely by God.
The following are the precious ingredients found in the anointing oil:
a) Myrrh – It is a spice used in ancient days for the preparation of a body for burial. The
fragrance comes forth from the plant when it is crushed. There is no anointing without
death. We have die to ourselves in order for the sweet smell to come forth (Lk 9:23, Gal
2:20). Just like the story of the woman who poured an expensive perfume on Jesus, we
must also come to a place of brokenness before God. It was only when the alabaster jar
was broken, that the whole room was filled with fragrance (Mk 14:3).
b) Cinnamon - It is a sweet smelling spice. We must have both the gifts as well as the fruit
of the Holy Spirit. The gifts of the Holy Spirit enable the believer to perform certain
ministry more effectively, but it is the fruit of the Spirit that shows the sweetness of
Jesus through us.
c) Sweet-smelling Cane - The sweetness of the cane comes forth when the cane is being
beaten. It speaks of our journey through difficulties in life. When we overcome these
hard knocks by leaning and trusting in God, our anointing will increase as a result.
d) Cassia - This spice is only found at high altitude. In order to obtain this, they have to
climb up the high mountain to look for it. Similarly, in our service to the Lord, we must
also be diligent to “sharpen our axe” and spent time with the Lord. This is the price
every servant of God has to pay to have the anointing flowing through us.
e) Olive Oil – The olive oil is the principal medium in which all the other spices are mixed
together. It is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. Our lives has to be in constant communion
with the Holy Spirit, and be dependent on Him for all circumstance. In this way, we will
be effective and impactful in any ministry we are called to do.
B) The Function of the Anointing Oil
The anointing oil is specifically used on the consecration of Aaron and the priests to serve as
priests before God (v.30).
The Bible also tells us that God anointed Jesus to preach the good news and for his ministry on
earth (Lk 4:16-19; Acts 10:38). Similarly, God also anointed all believers with His Holy Spirit (2
Cor 1:21, 22, cf. 1 Jn 2:20, 27). We must recognise that the Holy Spirit is already dwelling in us
and we do not need to follow after certain famous “anointed speakers/pastors” to give us more
anointing.
This anointing has been given to us to fulfil the Great Commission and for His service.
Therefore we should avail ourselves for God’s work. Moreover, we must live in intimate
relationship with Him, so that we will be ready in season and out of season to preach the Word
(2 Tim 4:2).
C) Forbidden Use of the Anointing Oil
Moses was forbidden by God to pour the anointing oil on “ordinary flesh” (v.32). The anointing
is exclusive given to believers, and not unbelievers.
Next, the anointing cannot be bought with money, neither should it be used as a means of
making money. When Simon, the sorcerer, saw the power of God being released through the
apostles, he wanted to possess that power. Instead of repenting of his sins and become a
believer, he offered money to the apostles thinking that the anointing could be bought. Hence
he was sternly rebuked by Peter (Acts 8:18-20).
Conclusion
If we want to be greatly used by God, we need to deny to ourselves daily (Lk 9:23; Gal 2:20).
Even though we experience many difficulties and disappointments in our lives/ ministry, we
must not become bitter in our hearts. But through Christ, we can overcome all these trials and
let the sweet aroma of Jesus emit from us.
Application
1) What is the purpose for having the anointing in you?
2) Do you agree that we need to die to ourselves in order to let the anointing increase in
our lives (Lk 9:23)? Discuss.