The anointing – most people don’t know what that means in today’s church. The impression of anointing has far too often been associated with talent, skill, aptitude or showmanship when we see the demonstration of a skillful preacher or teacher.
However, the anointing produces a harvest of spiritual maturity and reflects God’s glory. It’s not intended to produce material things, though they may come through favor with God and man.
Discerning Christians recognize the anointing and cannot be fooled by mere talent.
The anointing is far more than anything you can learn or practice. The anointing is a God-given thing – a special enablement to accomplish God’s purposes. God is the giver of anointing! Man does not give it, and man can’t take it away.
The anointing is a costly thing. Anyone I have ever known who is anointed of God has paid an enormous price in death to self and extensive processing in the fires of God. Many are called to the ministry, but few choose to endure God’s processes and quit before He is finished.
You can subvert your own destiny at any time by simple saying, “that’s enough, I’m not doing this anymore!” But, oh how sad.
In the Bible, God uses the story of a potter and his clay to symbolize the growth process of those who are called to carry the anointing. In a prophetic writing in 1998, the late Jill Austin uses this imagery to portray the life of those who are called and persevere to become beautiful vessels that God can use. It touched my soul and I know it will yours.
Let’s walk through this prophetic writing together.
Clay in the Potter’s Hands: The Price Behind the Anointing
By Jill Austin
ALL OF US WANT GOD TO FASHION US INTO VESSELS FOR HIS USE. BUT WE MUST SUBMIT TO HIS SHAPING AND MOLDING – AND TO THE REFINING OF HIS HOLY FIRE.
“Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel, (Jeremiah 18:2-6 Amp).
Imagine that you’re sitting in church one Sunday and suddenly, the room is filled with the fragrance of Jesus. You turn to see some incredibly beautiful vessels enter the sanctuary.
These vessels are full of the Shekinah glory of the Lord, and their transparent glaze wonderfully reflects His image. You immediately know that they’ve paid an incredible price for the powerful anointing they carry and a yearning to be like them is awakened in your heart.
In your spirit, you see Jesus walking up and down the aisles with wedding gowns on His arms. “Do you want My anointing?” He asks. “Do you want My presence and My miracles?”
“I’m calling you to be My bride,” He continues as He paces, “I want you to be like the chosen vessels of honor you see here. Do you love Me enough to walk with Me?”