Previously, I wrote of the time when Mary anointed Jesus with oil. Now I want to bring out just what that oil really is. The good Samaritan had oil for healing. The five wise virgins had oil for light. Elijah had oil to anoint those chosen for the position of priest. Samuel used oil to anoint a young lad, destined to be king. Oil was poured upon the head of Aaron as he became the high priest. Anointing with oil was the transitional act in sanctifying the tabernacle, as well as people with specific callings. Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron, were not allowed to grieve over their brother’s death because they were anointed with oil. Leviticus 10:7 And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: for the anointing oil of the Lord is upon you… The oil of God is the fear of the Lord. What is this oil?

In my studies concerning the subject and meaning of oil, it has become apparent that oil relates to an active aspiration of strength from the sweet currents of heaven within the once twisted, unbelieving heart. Oil and strength are like our two feet. Both functioning together will carry out the achievement of purposes in our natural life. The oil of joy is the instrument that serves the wholesomeness of God’s blessings to one’s self and others. Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness… The joy of the Lord is my strength. The oil of joy is healing, light, reserve, fullness, restoration. The oil which flows through joy drives away heaviness, darkness, and despair. This oil must openly flow from the well in our lives to generate joyful endurance, strength, valor, and courage. Joy is most fully experienced when it is released by expression through thanksgiving and demonstration of inspiration toward God and man.

When we seal up this potential flow of oil and joy because of fear and disappointment, we can become a curse to others and even curse ourselves. God spoke to Israel and declared what would happen if they continued complaining and focusing on their problems. ‘You will work the work with your hands and many things you will do to prosper, but prospering will be hidden from you. Fruit trees, olive trees, vineyards, sons, daughters—you will have all of these, but you will not enjoy them. You will plant much seed and see little harvest. You will not prosper in the garden of God because you have no oil of gladness.’ Deuteronomy 28:47 because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things.

We must understand that oil is not circumstantial, but reserve. There was a widow whose husband had been a God-fearing prophet. Now she was left with an unpayable debt. She was threatened with losing her two sons as payment for the debt. At her request, Elisha came to her house and asked her what she had. She confessed that she had nothing except one thing which you cannot eat. It was only her last little bit of something; one pot of oil! At the prophet’s command, they borrowed all the available pots and many vessels from the neighborhood and set them behind closed doors. The woman started pouring her oil into another pot, and it would not stop! All the vessels were now filled, and it still would not stop. They didn’t have enough vessels to contain the heavenly oil. She was now debt-free and overflowing.

It all started with the hidden little pot of oil being poured forth. There is so much power in that last little pot of oil—it is where it all starts again. It is only the oil on the head of Jehu that can recklessly drive out and destroy Jezebel from her position.

What are we doing with our God-given oil? Let us pour it forth to anoint other lives. Let the joy of our heart burst forth into thanksgiving and praise to our God and to His people. At times our hearts are too heavy in despair to expel its hopelessness. But whilst amid these infirmities we must at once yield our self-pity to find joy, and they will be driven away like a cloud in the morning. These difficulties are not easy to counter in the midst of the struggle, but they can be turned into powerful victories. This brings the sweetest fragrance of hope when all seems diminished. The act of pouring out the sweetness of heavenly oil upon another is contained in the power of salvation within all saints! Your last pot of oil poured forth is your first pot of oil, even if it is borrowed. Hallelujah!

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