21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

When LeBron James entered the NBA in 2003, he did so with no small amount of fanfare. After growing up with mounting expectations and dominance in high school basketball, his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers chose him with the first pick in the NBA draft. Before he ever played an NBA game, he was touted as “King James” and was lauded as the only player alive with the potential of displacing Michael Jordan as the greatest basketball player of all-time. He was the chosen one; the one who was to bring a championship to Cleveland. An ancient Hebrew would have used the term, “anointed.”

In ancient Israel, anointing was something that shepherds did to sheep. The oil prevented bugs from burrowing into the skin of sheep – it was a way to protect them. However, over the years, anointing was used to convey symbolic power as well. Kings and prophets were anointed with oil. It was a way of representatively giving power, prominence, expectations, and hope to a person and to the role they would fulfill. The anointed ones were chosen ones.

In the New Testament, the term “anointed” was once again expanded. The nation of Israel longed for a Messiah – literally, an “anointed one.” They got a Messiah in Jesus, and in Jesus by the power of the Spirit, they became “the Messiahed-ones.” Instead of some special believers being anointed, the scriptures are clear in stating that every believer is anointed. Paul made this clear in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 when he wrote, “And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” Paul claimed that all believers are ‘anointed’ because they have the gift of the Holy Spirit.

There is a rampant misunderstanding within the church today. People view gifted teachers, musicians, or evangelists as “anointed.” However, what’s often missed is that every believer is anointed. You are anointed! Today, take some time to remember who you are. The spirit of God lives in you and you are a “Messiahed-one.” Watch this short video clip and remember who you are. 

By Ryan Paulson  

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