Saturday 7 April 2012

POWER OF THE ANOINTING


READ: 1 SAMUEL 16:1-5
God sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint his substitute for Saul. On his arrival, the elders of the city trembled, because they could not discern his mission, whether he has come to bless or curse. They had great regard for men of God, because God was committed to upholding their words (1 Samuel 3:19). It is wisdom to hold genuine men of God, filled with the Holy Ghost, in high esteem. This is because whatever they say can come to be. As a result, it is good to be careful to provoke only blessings and not curses from them.
In 2 Kings 1:9-12, a king sent his soldiers to arrest Elijah. Elijah just commanded fire to fall from heaven to confirm his anointing and the fire descended and devoured the soldiers even before he had finished talking. Elisha, his successor was told the water of Jericho was bitter. He simply commanded its restoring and that was the end of the trouble of many years. The anointing of God upon his servants can also be very destructive. Elisha was mocked by some children and he cursed them. Immediately 42 of them were torn in pieces by two she-bears. Elisha also cursed his greedy servant, Gehazi and Naaman’s leprosy was transferred to him and his descendants (2 Kings5).
Sometimes, the servant of God may not even open his mouth to say anything. Once you have grieved his spirit, the Lord takes it up from there. Moses is a case in point. His elder sister Miriam and his brother Aaron spoke against him. God heard and was furious. He said: ‘You were not afraid to speak against my servant.’ Leprosy became her portion. If not for the swift intercession of Moses, she would have carried it for life and thereafter become another ‘Lot’s wife.’
Have you been working against God’s servants, speaking against them and trying to pull them down? Then you could be the cause of the barrenness, retrogression or affliction you are going through. Repent sincerely and go and make restitution to them, that they may pray for your healing. And adopt ways of attracting blessings from them henceforth.
MEMORIZE: PSALM 105:14 –He permitted no one to do them wrong; yes, He reproved kings for their sakes…