The anointing of God brings profound transformation, purifying the tongue so that it speaks forth truth, as guided by the Spirit of truth (1 John 2:27).
This same consecration sanctifies the mind, compelling one's thoughts to be captivated by and aligned with the Word of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). Furthermore, the anointed believer is ushered into God's perfect timing, living not by mere human schedules but in a state of divine alertness, trusting in His sovereign kairos moments as outlined in Scripture (Romans 5:6). Thus, the anointing fundamentally reorients one's speech, thoughts, and time toward God's perfect will.
Anointed head
The foundational image of anointing is vividly illustrated in the Old Testament through the sacred act of pouring olive oil. When Samuel anointed David, the oil was poured directly upon his head, signifying his consecration as king (1 Samuel 16:13). This external ritual was accompanied by the internal reality that "the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David from that day forward." This act prefigures the spiritual anointing that purifies speech and thought. The psalmist, reflecting on this consecration, speaks of the desire for words and meditations to be pleasing to God (Psalm 19:14). Furthermore, the anointing oil used to consecrate priests (Exodus 30:30) made them holy, setting them apart for God's service and timing. Ultimately, these physical anointings point toward the Messiah—"the Anointed One"—of whom Isaiah prophesied, saying, "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor..." (Isaiah 61:1). Thus, the poured oil is a tangible picture of the poured-out Spirit, which accomplishes the inward purification and divine alignment described.
Purified tongue
The powerful imagery of a purified tongue is dramatically captured in the call of the prophet Isaiah. In a vision of God's holiness, Isaiah cries out, "Woe to me!... I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips" (Isaiah 6:5). In response, a seraphim takes a live, hot coal from the altar and touches Isaiah's mouth, declaring, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for" (Isaiah 6:6-7). This act of purification by fire from God's altar is not for comfort but for commission; it immediately prepares Isaiah to speak God's word, as he responds, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8).
· The Need for Purification: It acknowledges that human speech ("unclean lips") requires divine purification before it can rightly serve God.
· The Source of Purification: The coal comes from the altar—the place of sacrifice and atonement. This signifies that purification is based on God's grace and sacrifice, not human effort.
· The Result of Purification: The cleansing is for a purpose: to enable the prophet to speak God's message faithfully and truthfully.
Therefore, while the anointing with oil (as with David) symbolizes consecration and empowerment by the Spirit, the coal from the altar (for Isaiah) emphasizes purification and atonement necessary for truthful speech. Together, they present a complete picture: God first cleanses us from sin's guilt, then consecrates us by His Spirit to speak His truth.
