Psalm 23 Meditation: Verse 5b

Pause & Reflect with me on the words of Psalm 23: 5b
“He anoints my head with oil."

For what purpose is God setting you apart? Listen now.

Good morning. This is Chaplain Kevin. Would you pause with me and reflect as we begin this morning…

In Psalm 23 the Lord is compared to a “Good Shepherd” who “anoint(s) my head with oil.”

Oil is a common element, used for scared rituals. In the Old Testament, oil was used to anoint prophets, priests and kings; common people, set apart for a Holy purpose. There is hardly a more radical image of something common being set apart for a holy purpose, than the Good Shepard anointing his sheep with oil. In the same way, God desires to anoint His people with His spirit; which seals us and sets us apart to serve Him and His people.

For what purpose is God setting you apart?

How will you allow His Spirit to anoint you today?

Let’s pray: Lord, you are the Good Shepherd.  You set us apart for your Holy purpose. Anoint us with your spirit today. That our work might be transformed from common to scared. We pray these things in your Name. Amen.

*Shepherds often used oil to wash their sheep’s head, which proved to be an excellent insect repellent. The psalmist deepens this imagery though, by comparing this cleansing with anointing.