In this lesson, we're going to be looking at different levels of the anointing through some types and shadows found in the Word. We will see a pattern which teaches us about three progressive levels or degrees of the anointing that God has called us to walk in. Each level is attained through a growth process of maturing humility, sacrifice and obedience. Growing in the anointing is directly related to every other area of growth in God.
The Bible is faithful to teach us through these types, shadows, patterns and examples for our admonition and learning.
1 Corinthians 10:11 "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they ware written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."
Romans 15:4 "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."
Hebrews 8:5 "Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, see, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount."
Each believer must pass through these three levels during his progress toward spiritual maturity. Just as it is in natural growth, so it is in the spirit. Maturing always requires change. "For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear" (Mark 4:28). This change is essential for the Body to come into the "unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13).
Proverbs 22:20 "have not I written to thee "excellent things" in counsels and knowledge."
Throughout the Word of God we see this principle of "excellent things." The pattern of maturity is typified many times as three degrees of God's anointing. The blade, the ear and the full corn in the ear. Thirtyfold, sixtyfold, and a hundredfold. The Outer Court, the Inner Court and the Most Holy Place. The Feast of Passover, the Feast of Pentecost and the Feast of Tabernacles.
The prophet Samuel first anointed David when the future king was a lad. With that mighty anointing he killed the bear, the lion and the giant. with this thirtyfold anointing he had a measure of the Spirit and a glimpse of the Kingdom, but his vision was not totally developed. Anointed as future king, he had a great potential, although the position was not attained for some time.
As the people of God, we will not stop with our potential blessing. Being born again, we may feel very safe with our "fire insurance" to avoid the fires of hell, but there is so much more. We need to get excited about our future! We should be hungry for a greater anointing! Hunger is a good sign, because it is an indication that we are growing.
David had a servant's heart. He started by happily caring for his father's sheep. there he learned to praise and worship God. Later he was brought into the palace of Saul to serve as a minstrel for the king. When you are first anointed it is a time of training. You are a student of the Word. It is a place of discipleship. You are in your "Bible School." Your hunger and thirst for more of God makes you willing, not only to closely associate yourself with anointed people such as apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists, teachers and others.
David looked for ways to serve the king as he developed his own great potential in God. He was teachable, faithful and well favored.
Before David could reach the second anointing he passed through a wilderness experience. Saul became jealous of his anointing and therefore turned against him. It seems there is always a struggle to be faced between step one and step two. Saul represent the ways of the flesh, man made systems or the old order. David represents the new anointing or new move of the Spirit. The old hates the new because it exposes the weaknesses and traditions of its carnal thinking.
When David assumed the position of king over Judah, he was anointed for the second time. Judah means "praise." Before David was crowned King of Judah, Saul died. The old ways of the flesh must die before we can go on to the second anointing. The old ways of thinking, consciousness of dead works and religious traditions must leave.
David's second anointing represents the sixtyfold believer, baptized in the Spirit. Baptized believers love to praise God "in spirit and truth." This anointing is wonderful, and may never go any further. The difference between sixty and one hundred is forty. Forty means "testing." To get from the sixtyfold anointing to the hundredfold anointing we will pass through some testings. As we grow in God, the tests don't decrease, but our ability to receive God's grace increases. The battles we face are ever greater. If we really mean business with God, and are willing to go all the way with Him, He will entrust His power and anointing to us for impossible victories.
Finally, David was anointed king over all Israel. This was his third anointing. His training had paid off! You may feel like you will never "arrive" but, God is making something wonderful of your life. He is the Potter and we are the clay. He molds us, then places us into the fire to be hardened and useful. After the clay has been in the fire for a while, the potter takes it out and thumps on it to hear the sound it produces. If the sound is cold and hard, he puts it back in the fire. He continues this until the pot produces a lovely ringing sound.
God is speaking to every one of us. If you are in a dry place in your life, start singing and worshiping God. Don't sit back on your "blessed assurance" meditating on your situation. Let your mind be filled with good, lovely, pleasant, positive thoughts of God. Think about how much He loves you. think of how He is in control of your life. Realize that He is caring for every affair of your life.
Experiencing His glory is worth any price. Don't let the enemy deceive you and make you think that something else is more important or pleasurable. Worldly pleasures only last for a short season then they produce death. The key to victory is to keep our eyes focused on Jesus. We are destined to be overcomers. God has ordained it.
Remember the race is almost won! Be comforted in knowing that at the end of the race you will run right into the arms of Jesus. You don't have to win the race, just finish it! Jesus has already won it for us! When you finish the race, you will hear His words: "Well done, good and faithful servant. You ran a good race, you finished your course, now receive your victory crown of righteousness!"
