| | "Furthermore I tell you that the LORD will build you a house" 1 Chron 17:10b | | Few days ago some of us watched the Coronation of King Charles. Millions across the world keenly followed these events, as the Press put it, it was a once in a generation event. The Coronation was held at Westminster Abbey and was an Anglican service which draws upon the Biblical tradition of Kings being anointed by Prophets and Priests. King Charles was presented a Bible, and told that this is the most precious thing in the world, Read it, its the law of life and wisdom for everything. Then he was stripped of his royal robes, and clad in just a white shirt and anointed behind curtains by Archbishop Justin Welby. Then the robes were put on and he came to be seated as King. The choir sang Zadok the Priest by G.F.Handel and Make a Joyful noise (Psalm 98) by Andrew Lloyd Webber specially composed for this occasion. The sermon readings were from Colossians 1:9-17 and the sermon text was from Luke 4:16-21 where Jesus speaks of his anointing at the synagogue in Nazareth. The Order of service is there on the net and it’s a ceremony worth watching, more from historical and biblical perspectives. For me many Biblical scenes came to life as I saw this. | Even Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit at his baptism by the dove coming upon him and the Audible voice of the Father saying “You are my Beloved son, in you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22). The disciples too were first anointed at Pentecost and then moved out to preach the gospel. Anointing is the Power of the Holy spirit coming upon you to enable you to accomplish your God-given work. We need God’s anointing in our work realms, whether we are teachers, house wives, software engineers, businessmen, social service folks or Pastors or Worship leaders or whatever. | Let’s go back to circa 1000 B.C. Saul the first King of Israel was anointed by Samuel the prophet. But he was a wayward king and was disobedient to God and hence God decided to chose another - David a shepherd boy and Worship leader/musician as the next King of Israel. Again, it was Samuel who anointed a young David in his home in Bethlehem, it was a small ceremony, albeit secret (1 Sam 16). Years passed by and naturally one step after another David got into Saul’s household as a harpist/guitarist, then he slew goliath, then he became an Army division leader. Saul pursued him and wanted to kill him, but God preserved him. Finally Saul dies in battle and then the people come together and ask David to be their King. God’s word comes to pass even through unimaginable trials and close to death encounters. Many of the songs he wrote during those wilderness years, found their way into the book of Psalms and still encourage millions. They are eternal. | David ruled first in Hebron (7years) and then the Kingdom moved HQ to Jerusalem. So here david brings back the Ark into Jerusalem. He institutes 24x7 Worship with twenty four (hourly) teams Worshipping the Lord. All the 24 Team leaders are mentioned in 1 Chronicles 25. Worship was really close to David’s heart. Also he wrote so much about Christ’s coming, these Psalms are called Messianic Psalms (Ps 2, 8, 16, 22, 23, 45, 72) and dozens more. He wins a few battles and then he tells Nathan the prophet, that he wants to Build a Permanent place of Worship. i.e. he wants to build Gods house/temple. That night the Word of the Lord came to Nathan, please read 2 Sam 7 (also 1 Chron 17) for this. God returns word – “I will build your house. Not you, but your son will build the Temple. And finally Jesus will come in your family lineage”. These words were momentous, for about 800 years, since Jacob prophesied that the sceptre shall not depart from Judah (Gen 49:10) such words were not uttered by the Holy Spirit about any family. The believers and prophets held on to these words for hundreds of years till Jesus came. |
|
|