Sometimes the Bible doesn’t make sense when you read it. Although, the puzzling questions can often be explained by a better understanding of the context in which a passage takes place. If you examine famous anointings in the Old Testament, there are one of two scenarios that take place. Either individuals had to wait an extended period prior to the fulfillment of the anointing or people earned the right to be blessed by God due to years of faithful service.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, Ephesians 2:8.
Prior to his anointing as the next king of Israel, God prepared David while serving as a shepherd in the fields. Elisha spent a decade as a farmer and servant to Elijah before receiving a double portion of faith. Meanwhile, Ruth endured the pain and poverty of a widow before being rescued by her kinsman redeemer. While salvation can not be earned, faithfulness opens the door to receive a special anointing from God.
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart,” 1 Samuel 16:7.
Anointings can be like following sports. At the beginning of any season, its hard to tell who will win the championship. Yet, as time goes by dedication, hard work and perseverance separates contenders from pretenders. In the same way, God sees the hearts of individuals. Since appearances can be deceiving, God examines hearts and souls to see who has earned the right to be anointed and or blessed by the Lord. May your faith be rewarded.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 