One Year Bible
Old Testament passage for Sunday, February 10, 2013: Exodus 30:11-31:18
30 And you shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister to Me as priests. 31 “And you shall speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘This shall be a holy anointing oil to Me throughout your generations. 32 It shall not be poured on man’s flesh; nor shall you make any other like it, according to its composition. It is holy, and it shall be holy to you. Exodus 30:30-32 (NKJV)
No effective work for God can take place without the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Jesus spoke much of our need for the anointing of God’s Spirit. In fact, His commission for us to reach the world in His Name is couched in the requirement that we have a profound and powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit.
This is typified in the anointing oil whereby Aaron and his sons were CONSECRATED. That is an important word – “consecrated.” It means “to set aside as holy or dedicated.” It is a powerful word, but it can be intimidating. When we think about a consecrated life, too often we think in terms of austere deprivation, self-denial, and a whole list of “thou shalt nots”. Too often, we think in terms of separation FROM sin or carnality. But that is only half of the picture.
Consecration is not just FROM, it is also UNTO! We are ushered into a realm of power and effectiveness. It is a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. Ministry CANNOT be done in the power of our flesh. Consecration cannot be done in the power of our flesh. The only effective way to win against sin is not to fight the sin, but to PRESS INTO GOD. The only way to be truly qualified to serve God is not to hone fleshly skills, but rather to be FILLED WITH GOD.
By faith, we receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit. He does not need our help. The anointing oil is not poured on man’s flesh. There is nothing like it. It is holy and it makes us holy. This is not rule-keeping or moral self-improvement. It is the positive life and power in the Holy Spirit.