Do you have the “oil of gladness?” I wasn’t sure exactly what that meant so I started a search through the scriptures.
Mordecai was Queen Esther’s uncle. When he learned the evil plot of Haman to annihilate his people, the Jews, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes. An outward sign of what was going on in his soul. Mourning, a sorrowful heart, a contrite spirit. He was tormented by the evil that was attempting to take over.
Sackcloth was a black cloth made of goat’s hair. It was very coarse and no doubt caused more discomfort because of the fiber. They would rub the ashes from burnt wood all over the cloth. Put it on and sit out publicly so the world around them could see the depth of pain.
~Thought For Today~
Isaiah encouraged God’s children to replace those ashes with garlands. Pour the anointing oil of gladness over them instead of mourning. Put on a mantle of praise and joy instead of walking around with a faint spirit. Why?
So that you may be like oaks of righteousness, planting the Lord everywhere you go, so that He might be glorified.
Samuel went looking for the next King at the direction of God. He found David and poured the oil over his head that the spirit of the Lord might come upon him, mightily.
Jesus came that we might have life and have it abundantly. He did not promise that we would not suffer. He did promise that He would send the comforter to reside with each believer. Our oil of gladness!
No matter what you see, what you hear or you read, remember that God is good. He has not abandoned those who believe in Him.
Let us put on a mantle of praise this morning, for all that He has done for us. We may be standing midst a lot of sackcloth and ashes folks, but we need to be the oaks of righteousness in Christ who has forgiven us. Witness with the oil of gladness. We are anointed to stand strong, no matter what comes against us.
~Scripture For Today~
Esther 4:1
1 When Mordecai learned all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city and wailed loudly and bitterly. (NASB)
Isaiah 61:3-
3 To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. (NASB)
1 Samuel 16:12-13
12 So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah. (NASB)
~Prayer For Today~
Hello Father! Thank You for hope. Thank You for Jesus. We pray that we receive the oil of gladness and wear it well, that You may be glorified. Forgive us of our sins. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
©2015 Kathy Ledbetter. All Rights Reserved.