1.HONOR THE ANOINTING
For today’s message, we will again turn our Bibles to Gen 20. In this chapter, we read about how Abraham lied about his wife to save his own life. This led Abimelech to take Sarah into his harem, and God rebuked him, ordering him to restore her to Abraham, her husband. In Gen 20:7, God tells him that Abraham was a prophet and that his healing was possible only when Abraham prayed for him.
The next morning, Abimelech summoned Abraham and Sarah. He gave Abraham livestock, servants, and restored Sarah to him. Offering them freedom to dwell anywhere, Abimelech also gave Sarah a thousand silver pieces. Abraham prayed, and God healed Abimelech and his household.
Although Abimelech is the victim and Abraham would typically owe him compensation, Abimelech instead gives to Abraham out of respect for his prophetic anointing. Abraham’s prayers, which God answers, bring healing to Abimelech’s family and spark a healing revival across the land.
Honoring God’s anointing in others is the key principle: as you honor, God increases the anointing in your own life.
HOW TO HONOR THE ANOINTING?
1) BE CONNECTED TO THOSE WHO WALK IN THE ANOINTING
After Angel Gabriel brought Mary the blessed Word, she visited her cousin Elizabeth, who had been pregnant with John the Baptist for six months. As Mary entered and greeted Elizabeth, the baby leaped in Elizabeth’s womb—this, I believe, is when John was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth then exclaimed prophetically, “Blessed is the fruit of your womb!” For Mary, this affirmation was deeply encouraging, as only she knew of her conception until Elizabeth, by the Holy Spirit, recognized its holiness. Elizabeth also called Mary the Mother of her Lord (Lk 1:35-45). When anointed people connect, there is glory.
>>Many years ago, there was a young man who served for several years as an office boy in the bank. One day, the President called him into his office and said, “I want you to come into my office and be with me.” The youngster asked, “What do you want me to do?” “Never mind. You’ll learn about that soon. I just want you to be in here with me.” The young man went on to become the President of one of the largest banks in NYC, and he said, “Being with that man made me all that I am today”.
* Point to Remember: If you are the smartest person in your group, you are not very smart.
2) FEED ON THE TEACHINGS OF GOD’S ANOINTED PEOPLE
* Point to Remember – Your spiritual diet shapes your spiritual destiny.
When people left Egypt, God gave them a new food – the Passover lamb. When they were about to enter the Promised Land, God gave them a new diet – the harvest of the land.
When Daniel refused to eat from the King’s table, God increased his anointing. Remember what you consume influences your growth in the anointing. So feed on God’s revelations that have blessed anointed people of God, and are used by Him effectively.
3) SERVE THOSE WHO WALK IN THE ANOINTING
Many men of God are very busy and may not have time to mentor you, but they still need help. Instead of seeking mentorship, ask how you can serve them. Be willing to help those whose anointing you admire, and serve when given the chance.
* Point to remember – Serving can lead to valuable mentorship opportunities.
Elisha served Elijah for 13 years and moved powerfully in God’s power. Joshua served Moses for 40 years and led God’s people into the Promised Land, dividing their inheritance.
Jesus says that a disciple will grow up to be just like the master (Lk 6:40).
- SOW FINANCIALLY INTO THE LIVES OF GOD’S ANOINTED
* Point to Remember – Sow seeds where you want to see growth—your giving connects you to the increase in anointing you desire.
You cannot buy the anointing of God. The things of God are never for sale. Jesus paid the ultimate price with His blood. When you sow financially into the lives of anointed people, your heart is drawn to that anointing. Honoring the anointing puts you in a position to receive it.
You see, our hearts are connected to material possessions. Jesus says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”(Mat 6:21). That means when you invest in gold, your heart will constantly want to check the status of your investment: you will invariably be mindful of checking the gold market constantly. What happened? Your heart is drawn to where you put your treasure (money). In the same way, when you put my money into the things of God, when you give an offering to anointed people of God who are used powerfully, your heart is drawn to their anointing. And when you thus honor the anointing God increases the anointing in your life.
Beloved, I hope you were blessed deeply by this sermon today. May God increase His anointing on your life this year so that you overflow and become a blessing to many others. You are blessed!