Monday, August 18, 2014

“You Anoint My Head!” (Psalm 23:5b)

S-1446 10SAP/3A 8/17/2014 Hymns: (O) #740; (S) #; 59 TLH; (C) # 616LSB

Texts: Isaiah 56, 1-8; Romans 11:1-2, 13-15, 28-32; Matthew 15:21-38

Theme: “You Anoint My Head!” (Psalm 23:5b)

Question: “Have you seen a king crowned?” 7th in sermon series on Psalm 23

Faithful followers of the Savior, Christ is Risen! He is Risen, indeed! Alleluia! The text is from the 23 Psalm: “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (Psalm 23:5b).

Precious little lambs let me ask you a question: Have you ever witnessed a King being crowned or a High Priest anointed? There are not many kings or High Priests around, and the likelihood of witnessing or seeing a crowning or anointing of a king and priest is very unlikely. But there was a time when kings and others were crowned and anointed as they took their positions.

Moses tells us in the book of Exodus of God’s command to anoint his brother Aaron and his sons as Priests of God to serve Him and His people: “You shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may serve Me as priests. And you shall say to the people of Israel, ‘This shall be My holy anointing oil throughout your generations” (Ex. 30:30-31). This anointing was done in public for all to see the servants of the Lord.

God had a specific recipe to use the best spices for this anointing. Myrrh, Cinnamon, Aromatic cane: Cassia and olive oil (Ex. 30:22-29). When these spices were mixed it made a sweet smelling aroma in the presence of the Lord and that which it touched became holy. God also commanded this anointing oil to be used only for the priests and the Tabernacle furnishings. It couldn’t be used on anyone or anything else. If it was used on someone else, that person would have to be cut off—put to death.

David, the author of the text understood the value of the anointing by God and that is why he wrote: You [God, my faithful Yahweh] anoint my head with oil.” You anoint my head with the oil of gladness to be Your servant and care for Your sheep—the people of Israel. You set me apart to be King over Israel and point them to You my God and Lord. For You are the One to be praised and adored.

It is interesting to note that the Hebrew word translated “anoint” is not, the normal word “mashach,” but (a Piel) of “dishen,” which literally means “make fat.”  Anointing implies a few drops; “making fat” implies a whole lot more—more than meets the eye—more than what appears on the surface or understood by human logic. No, it is so much more because it comes from the gracious hands of God Himself—the faithful Shepherd. Perhaps, that is why John the evangelist writes: “Behold, what manner of love the Father has lavished upon us that we should be called children of God!” (1 Jn 3:1). This is no nickel and dime deity! But a God who gives us more than we ask or desire! PAUSE

God in His Divine wisdom had anointed certain people for certain tasks—Aaron and his sons as High Priests, Samuel, Elijah, Elisha and others as His prophets; Saul, David, Solomon and others as Kings over Israel. But they all failed to do the things God had called them to do.

By the grace of God, Samuel and the elders of Israel anointed David and established him as the King of Israel. We are told that the Lord had chosen David, because he was a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). The Lord also promised that one of David’s sons will sit on David’s throne forever. The promise of God was on the condition that the people would be faithful to Him. But David himself and many kings that came from his loins didn’t do what the Lord commanded. Therefore God cut them off the family tree and only a stump remained—the stump of Jesse.

But Yahweh is not a nickel and dime deity! But He is a God who gives us more than we ask or desire. Therefore, the Lord promised that there would be a new David, a king after His own heart once again. The Lord promised He would once again establish this new King, this new David upon the throne. A Messiah, the new David, the King of the Jews, the One who comes in the name of the Lord, a son of David—the Lord of David—Jesus Christ. PAUSE.

The new David—Jesus, was anointed not with oil, but with the Holy Spirit on the day of His baptism to be the Missionary of God for the specific task of Redeeming God’s people from death and destruction. He was anointed for the sole purpose of purchasing them with His own precious blood.

Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit for three different offices—Prophet, Priest and King. And in His earthly life and in His perfect death and resurrection He fulfilled all of these Offices Perfectly for us.

He was the Prophet who spoke God’s Word faithful and joyfully to all without exception. He was the High Priest who offered Himself as the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE—the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world—on the Altar of the cross (John 1:29). He is the King of kings and Lord of lords who rules with justice and truth both in heaven and on earth. And one day, all people in the world will bow their knees before Him and acknowledge Him as the faithful Good Shepherd.

What David couldn’t do—live the perfect life, the new David did much better. The King eternal cast out the enemies of the children of God and conquered them even on the battlefield of the grave. He established His rule forever, and, indeed the throne is filled from everlasting to everlasting. His enemies have been clothed with shame, but on the Son of God the crown shines, and He has clothed us with His robes of righteousness and His garment of salvation.

Though David said, “You anoint my head with oil,” and God kept His promise; yet David couldn’t atone for the sins of the Israelite. But the offspring of David—Jesus the Christ, became the true King who reigns overall and His people rejoice! The enemy is vanquished and the children of the lord are glad and praise His holy name. Blessed is He who sits upon the throne; He is King from everlasting to everlasting!

Jesus fulfills these Office because He is the oil splattered Savior, drenched in oil as God’s anointed One. On the cross He is splattered with His blood for us. His anointing at His own baptism prepares us for our resurrection power. Thus our baptismal anointing—is an event with ongoing power to serve Him and His people.

Did you know precious lambs that you too have been anointed? Indeed you and I have been anointed in our baptism. The Lord has anointed us to be His sons and daughters through the everlasting covenant which was procured through the shedding of His sacred blood. This makes us kings and priests! The Bible calls us ROYAL PRIESTS! He has anointed us to be His ambassadors and agents of sharing the authority and wonder that is the good news of Jesus Christ and Him crucified and raised with all people.

Therefore, today, we join David in saying: “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (Psalm 23:5b). And He has! Our faithful Good Shepherd is not just any shepherd, but the Shepherd-King who gives us more than nickel and dime blessings. He gives us abundantly of His grace—forgiveness of sins, life eternal and faith to trust and obey Him.

Precious little lambs, all you need to know that your cup is overflowing is to take time to see all of the blessings He has bestowed upon YOU. They are eternal blessings from His store-house of grace. Thus David’s words become our words: The Lord is My shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” Psalm 23:1-5.

All I can say to that is Amen and Amen.

Now the peace…

SOLI DEO GLORIA

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