March 19 – LD 12, Day 1: Christ: the Officer of God

Isaiah 61:1a “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek. . .”

The official title, similar to that of doctor or reverend, of the Son of God is Christ.  Christ is the word Messiah in the Old Testament which means Anointed One or Office Bearer. ‘Christ’ points to the office that the Son of God occupies, as He represents God in the midst of this world as prophet, priest, and king. 

As we proceed through our devotions this week we will look at the three-fold office of Jesus more fully.  It will become evident that Jesus could not be Jesus except he be the Christ.  The name Christ explains the way and manner in which Jesus saves us.   Jesus was officially ordained, appointed, and called by the Father to perform this important work.  The Holy Spirit anointed Him at the time of his baptism when a dove descended on Him.  Anointing always referred to two things in the Old Testament.  First, the person was officially chosen by God to occupy a certain office in which he would represent God.  Second, the person was qualified by God for that work. 

Jesus, in His human nature, needed the sacred anointing of the Holy Spirit to take up this important work.  All the prophets, priests, and kings of the Old Testament were but shadows and examples pointing to this Representative of God who alone could bring about redemption.  He is the One who offered the sacrifice, who perfectly reveals God’s will, and who rules and leads us in love.  Rejoice that you are in the arms of Christ, the Anointed One, who will preserve and keep you to all eternity.