Selected, Appointed, and Anointed By God [Podcast]

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18‭-‬20)

As believers, our first obligation is to God. We have been given the responsibility to witness the Good News of Jesus Christ. Thankfully, we are blessed to have many options to minister to those who need a Savior. Posting encouraging Scriptures, volunteering to feed the homeless, or giving a smile and saying, “Good Morning” are the avenues the Holy Spirit will utilize to comfort the person by giving them hope.

Think about how you feel when trials and sorrows enter your life, turning it upside down. Even with knowing Jesus’ promise in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world,” I will be the first to confess that I have not reached the point of being cheerful or rejoicing in the midst of hard times.

Have you considered this verse? “Good understanding gains favor, But the way of the unfaithful is hard.” (Proverbs 13:15). Although many unbelievers appear happy and content, God tells us that it is not valid. Depression and anxiety have reached a super-pandemic level in mental health disorders.

“Rather than the way of the Christian being hard, the Scriptures teach that “the way of the transgressor is hard” (Prov. 13:15). His life is more difficult while on earth than is the life lived in obedience to the Lord.” https://www.truthmagazine.com/archives/volume30/GOT030268.html

Jesus is our role model. He approached those in need with a loving and compassionate heart. There are four Gospels [Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John] written by four different men describing Jesus’ life and healing interaction with those in distress. Micah 6:8 gives us clear direction on the expectation that God has for every disciple who says, “Jesus Christ is Lord and King of my life.”

God has many who have committed their heart, soul, and mind to Him. Praying daily to be anointed by the Holy Spirit, and making the commitment to give up their desires, “Not my will, by your will be done.” No, they are not perfect. Even so, they strive for spiritual perfection, diligently study the Scriptures, and are faithful and obedient to the will of God.

Selected, Appointed, and Anointed by God

Samuel speaking to King Saul: “But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” 1 Samuel 13:14

David Anointed King

“Now the Lord said to Samuel, ‘How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons. ‘” (1 Samuel 16:1).

Jesse and his sons witnessed the anointing of David as king, to which he received jealousy and hostility from his eldest brother Eliab. “Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger was aroused against David, and he said, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the insolence of your heart, for you have come down to see the battle.” (1 Samuel 17:28). Why is this important to us? God desires us to know that we will experience pushback from those closest to us.

From David’s anointing to becoming king was lengthy–15 years. After killing Goliath, King Saul became jealous and sought to kill David. Living as a fugitive for 15 years, God developed his character, increased his courage, and imparted the wisdom David required to rule as king.

As time grows shorter, God desires to select, appoint, and anoint men and women who are 100% committed to Him. We will receive guidance from the Holy Spirit to finish the work. Yes, through His grace, God has given each of us spiritual gifts. Pray for the discernment from the Holy Spirit to reveal your gift and the directions on how you will use it.

Love God deeply. You have been selected and appointed. Still, God is waiting for you to accept your assignment. Establish a covenant vow to serve Him with your spiritual gifts. It is then that you will be anointed by the Holy Spirit to finish the work. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Amen.