When I arrived it transpired that I had missed the memo: this happens a couple of times a year for me. I am still about a decade behind in terms of travel communications and smart phone updates.
***YOU HAVE NOT REACHED YOUR DESTINATION***
I decided to hit the road and then work out where the wind would take me. First explore and if I got my bearings; a 40% chance for me on my current Glasgow trend, then arrive to the group some 20-30 minutes late.
Still on an unfamiliar road I spot a sweet little bar and felt the nudge of God to go in. Just as I was exploring maybe tonight was about me and Jesus.
***YOU HAVE REACHED THE DESTINATION INTENDED FOR YOU***
I locked my bike and went in. Soon ordered some olives, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Balsamic and Sourdough bread slices and a Beer my Dad would have stomached- maybe enjoyed.
I perused the local magazine and found an ad for a chap offering 'intellectual' accompaniment; poetry, football, theology all featured as topics of interest. I thought this odd, then mused as the man who came in ahead of me fitted the bill. Key works in Christian language cropped up with him and the fella who joined him.
I pondered how I had been led by the wind, by unforeseen, inconvenient circumstances, yet I was here and available. I asked God what I could offer and thought about the theme of anointing that God is highlighting to me at this time.
'But I don't have any oil'
I had eaten my bread and soaked all the EVOO in the process, not that I had intended to. But that was easily remedied. Why do I seem to put such simple limitations on what God is asking of me? I requested more EVOO and approached the men.
I explained to them how I had got there tonight and that I am in a season of reflecting about what it means to be anointed to share the good news. I referred them to Isaiah 61 and the implications of this passage for those who witness the good news. I didn't know what their beliefs may be or whether their doctrine was undermined by my witness (I had just finished my beer). I left them the oil to receive or not as they desired.
The anointing which I incited is not just a verbal transaction of cerebral understanding but a spiritual cross-pollenation.
I had done all I felt necessary, it was up to them to choose. As I left I felt acutely aware that my life is and ever has been an example of redemption, God breaking through the disorder, disappointment and failure. I don't need to get it right, or succeed in my intentions all I need to do is keep my heart open to Him and His still small voice.
The Lord desires to free people into the fullness of new life.
Anointing is something Bob Ekblad writes about in his 2008 book 'A New Christian Manifesto'. This book is so much about what I am learning in this new chapter of my life.
The Good News is so much more than the new covenant we enter into. It is not just a hope for eternity. There is more for people to receive than a mere atoning, future hope: there is the indwelling present hope; signs and wonders; an all surpassing peace that is imparted; inner healing; when we are filled with the Holy Spirit.
For many people, to know the truth that Jesus has loved them enough to die for them does not tangibly free them in their immediate debilitating circumstances. Many broken people are waiting for heaven when its already here but has not been offered to them. As a minister of the Good News I am fully convinced this is also part of my call.
What if being filled with the Spirit were available and intended for all believers and all people? What if you had earnestly sought the will of God your whole life and still felt there was something missing?
I am amazed how many people have lived for God, loved- deeply loved for God and don't yet know the joy of freedom in the Spirit that comes of Holy Spirit filling them. This does not have to be a one off.
These may not be the last days but Acts 2:17a reaffirms my conviction so I will conclude there.
