The Oil

Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord.

Zechariah 4:6 [KJV]

From ancient times, oil placed upon a person anointed at God’s direction was symbolic of the giving of the Holy Spirit [1^st Samuel 10:1,6].  Zechariah saw an amazing vision of a tall candlestick, with a bowl for oil at the top, and seven lamps served by seven pipes constantly supplying oil from living olive trees.  When Zechariah says, “What in the world?” the words above are given in explanation:  the oil is the power of the Spirit producing the light within.

All 10 girls had the oil that came inside their lamps. Five felt that this was ample preparation.  Five felt the need of bringing more oil.  If the oil is, indeed, symbolic of the Holy Spirit, how can you have the Spirit, but still need more? I have pondered that question for several years.

The Holy Spirit is with every man, woman and child on this planet.  He is constantly calling, wooing, endeavoring to bring each of us to Christ.  The Spirit surrounds each of us every day of our lives.  But Jesus contended that there is more to the Spirit’s influence than that.  In John 14, Jesus tells His disciples:  I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter to be with you forever.  This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him.  But you know Him, because he abides with you, and shall be in you.”

There is a difference between with and in:  Jesus told His disciples that the Spirit was with them, but then told them to tarry in Jerusalem and wait for the Spirit to come upon them.  The day of Pentecost came, and the disciples and believers were filled with the power and strength of the Holy Spirit, anointed to do their work of carrying forth the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

How do we receive this “extra” gift - the additional precious oil?  Jesus gives us the answer in Luke 11:9-13:  All we have to do is ask.

If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate?  If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider?  As bad as you are, you wouldn’t think of doing such a thing—you’re at least decent to your own children.  So don’t you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask Him?