Anointing
‘God save the King!’ That was the message that rang out all over the United Kingdom as King Charles III was crowned on Saturday!
I did not travel to London to be part of history, instead, I watched it from the comfort of my own home – and the coverage was superb!
The Coronation had all the pomp and military precision one expects of a Royal event. The weather was typically British, and thousands of people in the capital loved it.
Of course, there were some who were not supportive and wanted to make their voices known. In a land of ‘free speech’, I guess this is to be expected.
I was fascinated by the service in Westminster Abbey. I loved celebrity spotting: the man getting a selfie with Ant & Dec, and Katy Perry trying to find her seat. I was intrigued by the historic rituals, all played out to a soundtrack of divine music.
What I was not expecting was to see the King de-robe and then to be anointed behind the mobile screens. I was quite overwhelmed when this happened, especially as the choir belted out ‘Zadok the Priest’!
I don’t know why I found this so emotional? Was it the removal of the Kingly garments? Was it the privacy of the ‘sacred’ anointing? To be honest I’m not sure.
I found myself praying for King Charles, asking God that this anointing would empower him for the role, and that his influence would be for good, according to God’s ways.
The Bible records numerous times when people were anointed for specific tasks, most notable would-be King David when he ruled Israel. Anointing oil was poured onto these people and the Holy Spirit came to help them.
However, things changed in the New Testament. The book of Acts tells us that before he returned to heaven, the resurrected Jesus said to his closest followers (the disciples)…
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
This happened a few verses later, at a time we now call Pentecost. Those disciples were anointed and filled with the Holy Spirit, and they never looked back.
From that handful of misfits, the good news of Jesus spread around the world in word and deed and the church was born.
Their ‘anointing’ was very different to what happened on Saturday. The book of Acts tells us that praying for the Holy Spirit’s anointing was not just an event but a lifestyle.
I believe that it’s something for everyone and not just Royalty. God was, is, and will always be for everyone!
God bless you :)
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader