Choose Joyনমুনা

DAY 41 – OIL OF JOY

Reflection: The term 'oil of joy' appears only three times in the Bible. The first is in our Psalm today, written by the Sons of Korah as part of a wedding song for an unnamed king. Both Jews and Christians see this Psalm as being prophetic of the Messiah, seen in a second mention of 'oil of joy' in Hebrews 1, which specifically claims these words for Jesus:

'But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”' (Hebrews 1:8-9 NIV)

If we take this anointing to mean, in part, a setting apart for a holy task, then it is triumphant joy that sets Jesus apart, a joy through the suffering of the cross; a joy that delights in the triumph of our salvation.

The only other reference to the 'oil of joy' is from Isaiah 61 that tells us God will '... bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.' (Isaiah 61:3 NIV)

So the Messiah's 'oil of joy anointing' is also to be bestowed on us, especially in our darkest moments. We can trust in this because Jesus lived it too. It was the 'joy set before him' that carried him through the agony of the cross.

Choose joy: Ask the Father through the Son by the Holy Spirit to anoint you with the oil of joy today, regardless and in the midst of the ashes, mourning, or despair you might feel.