- THE ORDER OF HOW THE ANOINTING FLOWS
Ps 133:1-3 – In this short Psalm, we see three main themes: the Unity of believers – the Church, the order of the anointing flow, and thirdly, how the blessing is fully functional where the anointing flows.
Notice that the oil runs from the head to the beard, then to the robe’s edges. It starts with the Leader, then to the Elders & leaders (beard talks about maturity), and then to the rest of the garment – everyone benefits from the anointing. The same theme is consistent in the analogy of the two mountains: Mount Hermon is a high, snowy range in the north, while Mount Zion is the hill in Jerusalem to the south. The verse refers to the flow of blessings from the North to the South.
Clearly, as honor goes up, the Oil comes down. This is because the anointing flows from the Leader in Authority to others in the Body; therefore, a person increases in anointing by honoring those in authority.
The title of our message today, therefore, is: Honoring authority ushers the anointing.
>Rom 13:1-2: Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. 2 Therefore, whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
>1 Pet 2:17: Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
All of us have the opportunity to learn and grow under leadership. If you are single, you are supported by your parents or guardians. In marriage, the wife is cherished under the authority of her husband, who himself is guided by God. As a student, you can receive wisdom from teachers and managers at your educational institution, and as an employee, you benefit from respecting your boss and employer. Choosing to honor those in authority opens the door to blessings and progress. By aligning with God’s principles and honoring leadership in every aspect of your life, you prepare yourself to experience His anointing.
2.HONOR IS THE ATTITUDE OF THE HEART
Eph 6:1-3 – Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”
NOTE: Obedience is your outward response, but honor is the uplifting attitude of your heart. Remember, true reward follows not just doing right, but embracing your leader with heartfelt honor—your rewards are on the way!
- Pas Vladimir Savchuk says, “When you honor, you add spiritual dividends to your spiritual account.”
- LESSONS FROM THE STORY OF NOAH & HIS SON HAM
Gen 9:20-23 – And Noah began to be a farmer, and he planted a vineyard. Then he drank of the wine and was drunk, and became uncovered in his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside. But Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and went backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father’s nakedness.
According to our culture, which is worse? Getting drunk or making fun of drunken people? Surely drunkenness. Yet in this story, we see that the power of honor and respect can shine brighter than our flaws. Noah is viewed as righteous and Ham as wicked: Ham dishonored his father by exposing his father’s mistake and making it public. While Noah made a mistake, Ham still had the opportunity to show kindness and understanding, but chose not to. Shem and Japheth, however, reflected compassion and respect by honoring their father even in his lowest moment. As a result, they were blessed, reminding us that choosing respect, even when it’s difficult, leads to positive outcomes.
The Bible doesn’t say Honor your ‘good’ Father or ‘good’ Mother. It simply says to honor our parents and obey them. By choosing to honor our parents, both publicly and privately, we open ourselves to the anointing and blessings in our lives. Embracing respect brings positive outcomes and fulfillment.
Luke 2:51 – Jesus went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. His earthly parents were not major prophetic figures but simple peasants. They almost lost him at the Temple but the very next verse says He was subject to them. And what was the outcome? LK 2:52 says “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”
- Pas Judah Smith says– Honor is a vehicle. Maintain it well, and you will go places.
- LESSONS FROM THE WAY DAVID HONORED KING SAUL
>NOTE: Your honor of authority says more about you than the authority you are honoring.
King Saul gets demonized and chases after David to kill him out of jealousy and insecurity. He made the latter’s life hell. One day, he comes looking for him in the wilderness and enters the very cave David was hiding in to relieve himself. David’s men stir him up to kill Saul. All that David had to do was keep mum, and his men would’ve finished him off! But David spoke up and said, “I will not stretch forth my hand against the Lord’s anointed.” He restrained them strongly.
After Saul leaves the place, David follows him and graciously reminds him of how he chose mercy over revenge, saving Saul’s life. In his recorded speech in 1 Sam 24:8-12, David respectfully addresses Saul as Master, anointed, and Father, even in the face of Saul’s instability and disobedience. David’s decision to honor the King displayed remarkable character and God honored him for it. In due time, the crown was brought to David, and the elders of Israel joyfully came to anoint him again as their king.
- LESSONS FROM MIRIAM’S ALTERCATION WITH MOSES
Read Num 12:1-10 – Bible scholars say that Moses’ first wife left him and he remarried, but to an Ethiopian woman, contrary to the law. Now Miriam began to criticize Moses and gossip about him, instigating others to join in. But LORD Yahweh came down in the pillar of the cloud, summoned Miriam to the entrance of the tabernacle tent, and judged him and punished her. She became leprous.
Now, it is true that every leader needs to be held accountable and ought to be confronted appropriately. But you don’t have to do it disrespectfully or demeaning. Don’t let disrespect and dishonor go unchecked.
>>Pas Joel Osteen’s story always inspires me: for 17 years, he worked behind the cameras, producing Church TV programs for his father, Pas John Osteen. He made sure his Father looked good on TV and, for years, paid close attention to the camera angle, the props, and the lighting on stage to make everything just perfect. Every Saturday, Joel would drive to his Father’s place and pick out the best suit and the tie that would match. Then, one day, Pas John Osteen fell ill and couldn’t preach, which became the first time his son Joel preached for him at Church. The following week, Pas John Osteen passed away. Since then, Joel has been preaching, and today, he is one of the most-watched preachers on the planet! Although he has not been to Bible Seminary, where does this ability come from? You see, all the many years of faithfully serving his Father with honor opened a huge door for God to anoint him and use him in a powerful way for His glory!
The truth is, the closer you get to leadership, and the more you see the true person behind the role. While it is natural to notice weaknesses or mistakes in the way someone leads, Beloved Child of God, let your heart be set on honoring those in authority—celebrating their strengths and supporting them as you serve God. When you do so with love and sincerity, God’s anointing will flow through you in new and wonderful ways. God bless you!