The crown of Anointing Oil comes with tremendous responsibilities.
To whom much is given, much is expected!
And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn’t prepared and doesn’t carry out those instructions, will be severely punished. But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required. (Luke 12:47-48)
What is the crown of anointing oil?
The Lord gave Moses specific instructions on how to make the anointing oil (See Exodus 30).
The anointing oil was a mixture of a specified amount of myrrh, sweet cinnamon, sweet calamus, cassia, and olive oil.
The holy anointing oil was used to anoint the tabernacle of the congregation, the ark of the testimony, the table and its vessels, candlesticks and its vessels, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering with all its vessels, and the laver and its feet.
The oil was also used to anoint Aaron and his sons to consecrate them so that they could minister unto the Lord in the office of the priesthood.
The anointing oil could not be replicated or used on ordinary people or strangers.
To sanctify the priest before service, the anointing oil was poured on his head to anoint him and make him holy (See Exodus29:7; Leviticus 8:12).
The priest was then crown with the anointing oil and was considered holy by the Lord.
The crown symbolized power and authority.
Consequently, he was not allowed to do certain things that would defile him.
The biblical prophets and kings were also anointed and set apart for service (See 1 Samuel 9:16; 10:1; 1 Kings 1:34,39).
Responsibilities of the anointed priests
The biblical priests were responsible for any offenses related to the sanctuary and for violations connected with the priesthood.
Their relatives from the tribe of Levy performed the sacred duties in front of the Tabernacle of the Covenant, but the Levites could not touch the sacred objects or the altar or else both the priest and the Levites would die.
Only the sanctified priests and their sons were allowed to perform the rituals associated with the altar and the duties behind the curtain.
The priests were in charge of all the holy offerings that were brought to God by the people of Israel. The Lord gave them these consecrated offerings as their permanent share.
They were also allotted the portion of the holiest offerings that were not burned on the fire. These portions include the grain offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings.
All the sacred offerings and special offerings presented to God when the Israelites lift them up before the altar also belonged to the priests and his sons.
The Lord also gave them the harvest gifts brought by the people as offerings to the Lord—the best of the olive oil, new wine, and grain.
All the first crops of the land that the people present to the Lord belong to them. Any member of their family who was ceremonially clean could eat this food.
Everything in Israel that was specifically set apart for the Lord also belonged to the priests.
The firstborn of every mother, whether human or animal, that was offered to the Lord will be theirs.
They were also required to redeem their firstborn sons and the firstborn of ceremonially unclean animals when they were one month old. (See Numbers 18)
Neither shall he go out of the sanctuary, nor profane the sanctuary of his God; for the crown of the anointing oil of his God is upon him: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 21:12)
According to Leviticus 21, when a priest is anointed and sanctified by God there were certain things that he could not do or else he brought damnation upon himself.
He could not uncover his head or rend his clothes
He could not leave or profane the sanctuary of God.
He could not touch dead bodies.
His wife must be a virgin and he could not marry a divorced woman, a harlot, or a profane woman. He could not profane his seed.
The rules were so strict that a sanctified priest could not look upon or approach a person with deformity.
Consequences of disobedience
The consequences of disobedience to these rules were in most cases instant death.
Sanctification through the anointing of the Holy Spirit
Anointing with pure olive oil is still used in the Christian churches today.
James 5:14 states that if there are any sick among the people they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
Thus the use of the oil in the present churches is only symbolic and the healing is done by the Lord Jesus Christ.
Sanctification and purification are through the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit will anoint you and set you apart for holiness unto the Lord.
When you are anointed with the Holy Spirit, do the same Old Testament rules and regulations apply to you?
Many people will say no because we are under the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
However, during the advent of the Holy Spirit, a couple met instant death when they tried to deceive the Holy Spirit (See Acts 5).
It may not be necessary to adhere to the strict rules and regulations of the old mosaic laws but strict obedience to the Holy Spirit is necessary.
The Bible states that obedience is better than sacrifice.
The Holy Spirit of the Almighty God can only dwell in a purified tabernacle (body). His presence will always convict you of sin and lead you on the right path.
But if you grieve the Holy Spirit through constant disobedience you will chase him away because the Lord said His Spirit will not always thrive with men.
The consequences of separation from the Holy Spirit are unprotection from the enemy and susceptibility to sin and temptation.
Walking in your anointing
When you are anointed with the Holy Spirit it is similar to having the crown of anointing oil poured on your head.
Therefore, you have a tremendous responsibility in how you walk.
The Bible states that we need to walk circumspectly, not as a fool but as wise.
As the anointed of God you should not walk in the counsel of the ungodly. Neither should you stand in the path of sinners nor sit in the seat of the scornful.
Your delight should be in meditating on the Word of God night and day. (See Psalms 1)
Read also: The Path of Life
The anointing of the Holy Spirit comes with great power.
You have the power to teach, preach, prophecy, heal, and deliver in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, use this power wisely!
May God grant us the wisdom to walk worthy of our calling and live up to the standard expected with the crown of the anointing oil.
Amen!
Are you crowned with the anointing oil?
Share with us your thoughts.
Related: The significance of the Oil and Wine
The purifying properties of the wine
Becoming the Oil and Wine 
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