Scripture: Psalm 45:7-8
Sermon notes
Cp v7-8
The practice of anointing in the Scripture entailed a solemn consecration before God and by God into a particular office. The Scripture records the anointing of men as prophets, priests and kings. See 1 Kings 1:34, 19:16, Ex 28:41. There is an especially strong connection between these words and the anointing oil of the sanctuary. Cp Ex 30:23-24. This was used especially for the consecration of the High priest and may also have been employed in setting apart men as prophets and kings—although often it is only an oil/ointment that is referred to without clear evidence that it came from the sanctuary. E.g. 1 Samuel 16:1.
Any reference to the anointing of the Saviour is set firmly against the background of historical/Biblical precedent and therefore presumes His role as prophet, priest and king of His people.
It is for the stated reasons that He is anointed. The Father’s approval of the character and mission of His Son, the God-man, is in view in this anointing.
- The anointing of the Christ is a statement of His moral character. The statements made in v6-7 are validated by this anointing. The choice of Christ by the Father is based on his attributes and vindicates them publicly. His anointing as the Messiah is a Divine testimony to the righteous purity of His character.
- The anointing of Christ is a statement of purpose. The Father has determined the course of redemption and justice and has set His Son apart to this work. His anointing is a Divine determination of a specific purpose and end. It will culminate on the throne having destroyed His enemies, ruling in righteousness with His bride. The sole, heart-burning focus of the anointing in this Psalm is its climax in the union of Christ and His bride. Cp John 3:28-29. Everything that He is as anointed prophet, priest and King is directed to this end!
A uniquely joyful anointing.
- The Saviour’s role as the Messiah is unique. Many prophets, priests and kings in Israel were anointed before Him, but He alone is the Messiah, John 1:41, 45.
- The Saviour’s joy to undertake all that is involved in the work of the Messiah. The Saviour happily undertook the work of redemption; happily became the man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Cp Ps 40:8, Acts 2:28, Heb 12:2.
- The Father’s delight in that work, is set forth here. Cp Matt 3:17.
- The delight of Christ’s people in His anointing. The verses describe the Saviour from the perspective of His people. There is an exquisite fragrance about the Saviour’s person that appeals to the spiritual senses of the believer. It is, in their estimation, something that goes beyond anything from ivory palaces! They reciprocate with an ‘anointing’ of their own which delights the heart of the King, v8. This is just to say that they make Him their prophet, priest and King. They align themselves completely with the Divine choice. Cp 1 Chron 29:22 as an example of this assent.
The full nature of that anointing. All thy garments… From head to toe the person of Christ is saturated with the fragrance of Divine anointing to His office. Every part of His being gives evidence of what He is and does by virtue of His calling. Cp Ps 133:2, John 3:34.
Two points in the Saviour’s life are specially marked by this fragrance.
- His birth. Cp Matt 2:11. There is a striking reference to the humanity of Christ in the term thy fellows, v7.
- His death. Cp John 12:3, 7, 19:39-40, Mark 15:23, 16:1.
From first to last, the incarnate God who sacrificed Himself as our Redeemer, is fragrant to the Christian. This fragrance is especially manifested as He appears as the Heavenly bridegroom to take His bride. It is a fragrance that is linked to the pure, heavenly, glorified love of saints for the Saviour. It is a fragrance that ravishes the heart of the believer. May God fill our spiritual senses with that fragrance today.