“As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is what he promised us—eternal life. 26 I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray. 27 As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.” 1 John 2.24-27
What does it mean to be anointed? Throughout the Bible, we see people being anointed for various reasons—for healing, for confirmation of appointments (such as kings), and for cleansing. However, the anointing John speaks of is a spiritual anointing: the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
When we surrender to Jesus, we are “anointed.” We are born again, given His Holy Spirit, saved, and redeemed. Our bodies become His temple. John reminds those to whom he is writing that the anointing you received when you decided to follow Jesus “remains in you.” Interestingly, he says, “You do not need anyone to teach you,” because “His anointing teaches you about all things.” Isn’t that fascinating? The anointing of His Spirit actually teaches us about holy living and what it means to be in a relationship with God. All we need to know comes through this anointing (along with His Word, I might add).
The anointing we receive is “real and not counterfeit.” Some may seek to profit by “selling the gospel” or the Spirit, but this is not good. The anointing we receive is true, and it has taught us to walk with Christ and to remain/abide in Him.
The anointing of God is a powerful gift. When we submit to Christ, we receive this anointing, and it changes us. It’s as if I were to stand under a waterfall and walk out drenched—there is no denying it. If I am anointed by Christ, I am drenched in His Spirit, living under the well of His blessing. The anointing, which is Christ’s Spirit Himself, guides me, leads me, directs me, and sends me.
I am in Bulgaria because of this anointing, and I can trust it to teach me all I need to know about living for God and being a minister of the Gospel. I work with Truett Seminary and help lead Revive because of this anointing. I do not profit from these works but seek only His gain. My goal is to live according to His Spirit and by His ways.
This anointing is good because it is God Himself meeting me, loving me, and filling me up. I can experience joy in the midst of pain because of this anointing. I am not only content with Him; I feel His overwhelming favor in my life. I am part of His mission to save and redeem the world from sin and lead them into the light of Christ.
As I sit in a hotel room in the oldest country in Europe, 1,300 years old, I realize the depth of Christ’s love for this country and for me. He is never-changing, yet ever new. He who is the same yesterday, today, and always reminds me of His goodness, grace, and love.
His anointing is upon me to preach the good news to the poor, as Jesus said, and to release the captives. This is the year of God’s favor. May His anointing be upon all of us this day and for each day to come.
“O Lord God, thank You for loving me. I love and praise Your name. I exalt You and thank You for the gift of anointing in my life. As I near the end of this trip in Bulgaria, I thank You for this community of faithful believers who have remained steadfast for so many years. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with Your power and love. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen