Psalm 133:2

Psalm 133:2

The anointing

The anointing of a priest for service was not a perfunctory matter, it was symbolic of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and was the ultimate moment of consecration for a life of service. A priest did not have a one-fingered cross painted on his brow; he was completely anointed from head to toe! In Aaron’s case this obviously meant that the oil that was poured over him, saturated his head, his beard and ran down and over his priestly robes, showing that every part of him was dedicated to God and to holy service. 

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is no different, when Pentecost came and the 120, who were in an upper room of the Temple, had the Spirit of God poured upon them, they were being sanctified and anointed to serve. This was not a self-indulgent moment, this was the start of their mission to proclaim the Gospel to the world. Jesus was enthroned in heaven pouring out His Spirit and anointing and consecrating His priests for the divine tasks that they were to fulfil.

This verse of Psalm 133 is telling is something quite profound, it is effectively saying that harmony amongst God’s people sanctifies them and sets them apart from the world. The Holy Spirit is poured over those who believe and who are dedicated to service, and that anointing expresses itself in works of service but also in unity amongst the priesthood. And are we not all priests, called to work together in the Temple of our God and to obey and worship Him every day of our lives? May the beauty and goodness of that holy anointing permeate every action and conversation that we have with our brothers and sisters so that unity reigns. Hallelujah! 

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