January 10, 2001 was the centennial of the Spindletop oil gusher. It brought Texas into the petroleum industry like no other event did. That black gold brought prosperity to this dusty state.
Now, if you knew anything about Spindletop crude, you would say, "This is poor quality oil. In fact, it’s full of salt water." You would be right. However, if there was oil in Beaumont, where else in Texas can oil be found? (Wildcatters are still drilling for more!)
Olive oil
In Bible times, the most precious oil did not come from the ground but from olive trees. God described the prosperity of the promised land to Israel: "For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills." (Deuteronomy 8:7-9 NIV).
Olive oil permeated the lives and culture of ancient Israel. It was used as fuel for their lamps (see Matthew 25:1-4). It was used to soften leather-covered shields for soldiers. It was mixed with grain and some yeast to make bread (see 1 Kings 17:12-16). It was used as a topical medicine, along with wine and some spices (see Luke 10:42).
Olive oil was a sign of prosperity and blessing from God in ancient Israel. From the master of the house to his guests, all were anointed on their heads with oil (see Psalm 23:5; Luke 7:46), oftentimes mixed with perfume. An oil-shined face reflected a glad heart (Psalm 104:15).
Anointing with olive oil
Typically, olive oil is not a part of our culture, though it may be found on the shelves of our grocery store. Consequently, we are confused by the use of "oil" in James 5:14-15. There James wrote, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven."
While the healing may be miraculous (see Mark 6:13), there was nothing miraculous about the oil. James called for the medicine of his day, that is, the oil, to be applied to the sick person, presumably where the malady was. If there was fever, then apply the oil to the head and possibly the whole body as well. If the arm was badly cut, apply the oil to the cut. If the leg was broken, apply it to the broken leg.
We do the same thing today as we pray for those among us who are sick. We not only ask God to heal them, but that He would be with the doctors and nurses who care for the sick person and that God would grant that the treatments be successful. Make use of medicine. Ask God for healing. Then thank Him.
Anointing of Christ
Many christs
Because of the prominence of olive oil in Bible times, it was given special religious and political significance. However, if I were to ask you, "How many christs are there in the Bible?" you probably would answer, "Only one, Jesus Christ." You would be partially correct.
The Greek word rendered as "Christ" in the New Testament and the Hebrew word rendered as "Messiah" in the Old Testament means "Anointed." Psalm 133:2 graphically describes the act of anointing: "It [unity] is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes."
By excluding, for obvious reasons, false christs and antichrists, we discover from the Old Testament that many prophets, priests and kings were anointed with oil.
Beginning with Aaron, brother of Moses, the high priests of Israel received the anointing to designate their service to Jehovah God for Israel (Exodus 28:41; 29:7; 30:30; 40:15).
When Saul was selected to be the first human king of Israel, it is written, "Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, ‘Has not the LORD anointed you leader over His inheritance?’ " (1 Samuel 10:1). Samuel later anointed David as the second king (1 Samuel 16:12-13). Solomon was third (1 Kings 1:39). Others specifically mentioned in Scripture as anointed kings were Jehu (of Israel), Hazael (of Syria), Joash (of Judah), Jehoahaz (of Judah) and Cyrus (of Persia).
Elisha, the successor to Elijah, was the only prophet specifically named as anointed (1 Kings 19:16). However, the Scriptures refer to the prophets as the Lord’s "anointed ones" (Psalm 105:15).
Oil became the obvious choice of God for this ritual of selection. It signified God’s great blessing on His people. Consequently, such blessing is to be reflected by responsibility toward Him. Prophets, priests and kings were anointed with oil in order to show that they were chosen by God to serve Him in these various ways for the people of Israel.
The ultimate Christ
Jesus becomes the ultimate Christ because He is the Prophet of the new age (see Deuteronomy 18:15, 18 and Acts 3:22-26), revealing God’s new agreement with His people.
He is the High Priest for Christians (Hebrews 2:17-3:1; 4:14-5:10; 7:11-28), offering the once-for-all sacrifice for His people and interceding on their behalf.
He is the King (Luke 1:32-33; Acts 2:29-36), directing His people in service and obedience to God.
Unlike His predecessors, Jesus was not anointed with olive oil, but with the "oil of gladness" (Psalm 45:7; Hebrews 1:9). Peter described His anointing in this way, "You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached—how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him" (Acts 10:37-38).
Conclusion
My Prophet—I am very thankful that Jesus is The Christ. I do not have to wonder anymore what God’s will is for me. I go to Jesus the Prophet who revealed it through His apostles and prophets.
My King
—I do not have to wonder anymore where I belong. I belong to Jesus the King who brought me under God’s rule and realm.
My Priest
—I do not have to wonder how I will escape punishment for my wrongdoings and sins. I turn to Jesus the High Priest who declares me innocent of my transgressions and rescues me from God’s wrath.
I am very thankful that Jesus is The Christ. God anointed Him with the oil of gladness. It is true in Christianity: " ‘Oils’ well that ends well."