By Rev Josh Chigorimbo, June 2014
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set at liberty those who are oppressed;
To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” (Luke 4:18-19)
INTRODUCTION: Our Lord, as the Son of Man, was very clear about how He was empowered and why. He attributed His ministry’s effectiveness to the Holy Spirit. He relied on the anointing. He was sure of the anointing’s focus in and through His life. So should we! As Christ followers, should the anointing upon our lives fulfil a different mission to the One who commissioned us? I think not! Why then are we anointed today? Here are six great reasons why we are anointed:
1. WE ARE ANOINTED TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS.
We must not behave like we are commissioned to share evil news, to be shy or silent! We are anointed to bring hope, joy and salvation to others. That spells Gospel!
2. WE ARE ANOINTED TO HEAL THE BROKENHEARTED.
The Lord knows how many people out there are going about with broken hearts and heavy loads. He knows many who are weary and heavy laden and count on us to administer rest and healing for their souls.
3. WE ARE ANOINTED TO DELIVER PRISONERS.
Our message doesn’t enslave people. It sets them free from spiritual, moral and habitual bondage. It lifts burdens and destroys yokes. We are a spiritual liberation movement, delivering people from invisible chains and prisons around their lives.
4. WE ARE ANOINTED FOR RECOVERY OF SIGHT.
Sin blinds people. So does religion! But the true Gospel enlightens hearts and minds. “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound…was blind but now I see”.
5. WE ARE ANOINTED TO RELEASE THE OPPRESSED.
Our societies are full of downtrodden and oppressed folk. The authentic Gospel uplifts the disadvantaged and downtrodden. We must not forget that!
6. WE ARE ANOINTED TO ANNOUNCE THE ADVENT OF FAVOUR.
The year of Jubilee is here and many don’t know it! Debt freedom, total liberation, restoration of honour and removal of reproach are included in the Acceptable Year of God’s Favour. That’s what we stand for. Grace not condemnation, favour not merit: that’s our message.
© Rev Josh Chigorimbo, 2014