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Acts 2:36

Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.

When Jesus was crucified, the disciples abandoned him and hid out in a room, fearing that they would be next to hang on a cross. But the Holy Spirit changed everything. On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit came and empowered the forlorn disciples. Crowds in Jerusalem for the Passover gathered to hear their words. Peter let the people know that they had crucified the Christ.

In biblical times, oil was the staple of life. It was used for lighting, cooking, medicine, cosmetic purposes, hygiene, and hospitality.[1] Oil served as a symbol of wealth and joy. It could also be used to set apart people for God’s purposes. High priests were anointed with oil when they took office. The prophet Samuel anointed David as king.

In the New Testament, Jesus is called the Anointed One some 530 times. In Greek, this name is Christ; in Hebrew, it is Messiah. Jesus was not anointed with oil but with the Holy Spirit at his baptism. He did not come to be an earthly king who would deliver Israel from their enemies. Jesus came to deliver people from their sins. He is the Messiah, the Christ, the Anointed One.

Father,

Thank you for sending your Son, the king of glory. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming to die on the cross for my sin. Thank you for your heavenly kingdom built for me to live in eternity.

In your name, I pray. Amen.

How can we pray for you? Send your requests to prayer@ronmoore.org.

[1] Ann Spangler, The Names of God, p. 169.

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