The Tribune

By Bishop V. G. Clarke

If a preacher is to be a true messenger of God, he must have the Holy Spirit in his life. The Old Testament lays the groundwork for such an understanding. Each major office in the life of Israel was to be filled by someone anointed by the Holy Spirit. The priest and the king always (and on occasions the prophet) began their work by being anointed with olive oil, which was symbolic of the Spirit of God. What qualified a “Saul” or a “David” to be king in Israel? Not their possession of the crown or the throne or a royal lineage, it was the anointing by God.

The King of Israel was not considered to be an automatic ruler. He had to be under divine control, in order to be qualified to reign over his people. Note when Saul insisted on doing things his way, for example, the Holy Spirit departed from him and came upon David. Saul still had the crown, the throne, the bodyguard and the palace. But David had the anointing of God.

Even while hiding in the cave for fear of his life, David was the regal one. That may be the reason why David prayed in Psalm 51:11; “Do not cast me from your presence, or take your Holy Spirit from me.”

He clearly remembered the tragedy of King Saul, who lost true kingship even though he retained all of its symbols. David did not want to spend his life that way. His personal gifts were of importance, but the divine anointing made him the true king.

The same anointing was required for the priest and the prophet. To be partners in ministry with God is an esteem honour. Those of us, who are called and anointed to preach the gospel, must walk worthy of our call. Our city and nation is in need of anointed preachers who will preach the gospel uncompromisingly.

The anointing destroys the yoke and sets men free from the works of the flesh bringing him into a covenant relationship with God.