Gracious GOD, anoint me with fresh oil!
(James Smith, "Gleams of Grace" 1860)
Psalm 92:10
The work of the HOLY SPIRIT in
the heart, is of the greatest importance.
Until we experience it, we are dead in sin.
Having once enjoyed it,
we often need its renewal.
The work of the HOLY SPIRIT
in the heart is variously represented
in GOD'S WORD, and is compared
to a variety of things.
In one place, to the reviving and
refreshing influences of the dew.
In another, to the quickening and
fructifying effects of the shower.
Again, the Psalmist sings,
Oil is a common emblem of the SPIRIT,
who is called "the anointing which you
have received." This anointing represents
HIS renewing, sanctifying, and saving
operations, as received and enjoyed
by all GOD'S people.
This anointing consecrates them
as GOD'S kings, and they become
the LORD'S anointed.
It qualifies them as GOD'S priests,
and they become a royal priesthood,
to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable
to GOD, through JESUS CHRIST.
This anointing beautifies them,
as GOD'S sons, causing their
faces to shine, and filling them
with joy and peace.
This anointing perfumes them as
GOD'S favorites, and all their garments
smell of myrrh, aloes, and cassia.
Without this anointing, we cannot . . .
reign as kings,
officiate as priests,
approach GOD as sons, or
rejoice before HIM as favorites.
The EFFECTS of this anointing
are many, and very precious:
This anointing gives us fresh views
of CHRIST, and every sight of HIM
endears HIM more and more to our hearts.
This anointing gives us a deeper
experience of the truth, and we know
more of its power, sweetness, and savor.
This anointing gives us more
power in prayer, and we plead
with GOD and prevail.
This anointing gives us sweeter
enjoyment of ordinances, for we
see more of CHRIST in them, and
are mightily refreshed through them.
This anointing gives us stronger
confidence in GOD, so that we
conquer our doubts and fears,
and can trust GOD in the dark--
or in the light; on the mount--
or in the valley.
This anointing gives a delightful
savor to our conversation, so that
we not only speak of CHRIST with
freedom, and of our Christian
experience with pleasure--
but there is a savor and a power
in what we say, which produces
a good impression in those that hear.
This anointing preserves us from
falling into temptation. Nothing will . . .
raise us above the world,
give us power over flesh, or
make us a match for satan--
like being anointed with fresh oil.
We are regenerated but once--
but we may receive the renewings
of the HOLY SPIRIT often, and
unless we receive these renewings,
we shall become dry, barren,
lifeless, and cold!
There will be . . .
no delight in prayer,
little pleasure in ordinances, and
the Bible itself will become unsavory.
We cannot go on long, or go on happily,
without fresh oil. See then, what we all
need, "fresh oil." We need daily to be
renewed in the spirit of our minds.
The earth may as well be expected
to be fruitful without sun, rain, or dew--
as for our souls to prosper without
frequent communications
of the HOLY SPIRIT.
We should ardently desire
the fresh anointings of the SPIRIT.
HE is as necessary to our souls,
as the vital air is to our bodies.
Our natural lives could as easily
be sustained without breath, as our
spiritual life without the HOLY SPIRIT.
We should earnestly pray
to "be filled with the SPIRIT,"
that we may "live in the SPIRIT,"
and "walk in the SPIRIT."
Gracious GOD, anoint me with fresh oil!
We sometimes say, "beware
of a religion without CHRIST,"
It is of quite as much importance
to say, "beware of a religion without
the HOLY SPIRIT."
Reader, are you one of GOD'S anointed ones?
Have you received an unction from the HOLY ONE?
Does the SpIRIT of GOD dwell in you?
Beware, O beware, of a religion without
the HOLY SPIRIT!
If the HOLY SPIRIT is in you, HE will daily . . .
teach you your need of CHRIST,
bring you to CHRIST,
make CHRIST precious to you, and
lead you to glory in HIM, and in HIM alone.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
GraceGems has published J.A. James' helpful article,
"The Foundation, Construction, and Eternity of CHARACTER".
No comments:
Post a Comment