David, king of Israel drew from his experience as he wrote the Psalms. He learned to trust the Lord as his Shepherd during his early years as a shepherd boy (Ps. 23:1-2). He wrestled with his guilt, shame, and repentance for his sin in Psalm 51. And he gives a glimpse of the wonder of being established as king (Ps. 23:5b). First Samuel 16 records more detail of this incredible mountaintop experience. Although his family viewed David as the brother "least likely to succeed", God honored what was in his heart (16:7). After God chose him to take the place of Saul as Israel's king, he instructed the prophet Samuel to anoint David with oil. This wasn't to clean him up on the outside (although he did just come in from the field). The result brought the spiritual into the physical: "And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him with power" (v.13).

            This simple, sacred act changed a lowly shepherd boy into a king. It transformed a nation. It began the royal lineage from which Jesus the Messiah would be born (Mark 10:47, 48). Whenever anointing is mentioned there is "a setting apart for divine purposes". David's life was forever changed by God's favor and blessing. It was poured upon his servant, chosen by the Almighty Lord to fulfill his holy plans.

          In Scripture oil often represents the Spirit of God and joy (Ps. 45:7, 104:15; Heb. 1:9). The power of God flows from God's anointing (1 Sam. 16:13). It is important to grasp the truth of this declaration: "You anoint my head with oil". Notice the verb - it is in the present tense, as if saying You keep anointing...and anointing... and anointing... you get the idea. Through Jesus Christ, his followers receive the pouring out of God's power, Spirit, and favor. He gives us the oil of gladness instead of sorrow; a garment of praise in place of a spirit of despair (Isaiah 61:1-3). Because the Father has anointed his son Jesus (Luke 4:18-19), we who know and obey him now walk in divine freedom and wholeness. He bestows upon us holiness, righteous beauty, praise, and strength. We are sons and daughters of the King, a royal nation with an incorruptible inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-6; 2:9, 10)! We are transformed from pitiful and poor into a people rescued and revived.

            When God anoints his servants, he doesn't hold back. He renews us with a constant flow of living water. Our Shepherd empowers us to be warriors who fight the good fight of faith. God reigns his Spirit upon us to overflowing - my cup overflows (Ps. 23:5b). The Spirit of God transforms the common into the divine. Only those who live by God's power are able to soar on wings like eagles (Isaiah 40:31). Only those who pray when they are sick receive the anointing of God's healing balm (James 5:14-16). Anointing is not automatic. It is not to be assumed. It is activated when we walk in the provision, protection, and power of God. David was anointed as king because God saw the condition of his heart. Let our hearts be washed by the blood of the Lamb so that we may live triumphantly as anointed ones of the King of heaven.