THE ANOINTED ONE

In the Old Testament, 'anointing' was a physical act that involved the pouring of oil on someone’s head ... a symbol that he had been chosen and set apart by God for a specific purpose.

In the New Testament, Jesus revealed Himself as the promised 'Messiah' (from the Hebrew mashiaḥ ... meaning 'anointed'). The name, 'Christ' (from the Greek word Christos) also translates as 'the Anointed One'.

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.   (Luke 4:18) 

Jesus was appointed by God to ... 

1. 'preach the gospel to the poor' - It is often true that those stricken with 'physical poverty' are more open to receiving Christ as Savior. The word 'poor' in this passage also emphasizes a man's sense of 'moral and spiritual poverty'. 

2. 'heal the brokenhearted' - He came to relieve the sorrow related to one's guilt and shame. The contrite heart that receives Christ's atoning sacrifice need not bear that weight of sin any longer.  

3. 'proclaim liberty to the captives' - Our Messiah's substitutionary death releases us from sin's grasp and Satan's power (only for those who receive His gift of salvation by grace through faith).

4. 'recovery of sight to the blind' - This refers not just to the recovery of literal eyesight (performed in Jesus' healing ministry), but more importantly ... 'spiritual sight'; the opening of one's heart and mind to divine truths that by nature he cannot comprehend.

5. 'set at liberty those who are oppressed' - Persons broken in spirit and crushed by overwhelming circumstances, are given freedom when they allow Christ to take His rightful place as Lord. His 'yoke' eases that burden. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Know this pilgrim ...  at the moment of your salvation, you were indwelt by the Holy Spirit and joined to Christ. As a result, you are a partaker of His anointing ...

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 1:21–22. 

Rather than chase after a 'new' anointing (like those steeped in the false teachings of the modern-day Charismatic movement) ... remember that you already have the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is not given in part; it does not come in separate dosages. 

The Word of God offers this promise ... 'His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness'. (2 Peter 1:3)

Grow in your knowledge of (and your relationship to) ... The Anointed One.