Some Bible scholars say that ancient shepherds created the practice of anointing. Lice and other insects would often get into the wool of their sheep, burrow close to their heads and kill them. The shepherd’s solution to this problem was to pour oil on the sheep’s head. This made the wool slippery and the insects would slide off.

The poured-on oil was considered an anointing, which comes from the Greek words chrio, meaning to “smear or rub with oil” and aleipho, meaning “to anoint.” From the shepherd’s practice, anointing became symbolic of a blessing, protection and empowerment.

That carried over throughout Bible times. God’s blessing or call on a person’s life for a specific purpose – to be healed, to be a king, prophet, builder, etc. – was recognized with the anointing of oil. Of course, in our time, this practice continues with the anointing of those entering various offices within the church.

The important thing to remember in these cases, though, is that the oil itself doesn’t have any power. Anointing with oil is simply symbolic of what God has done. It is only God who truly anoints a person.

In that vein, the word anointed also has another meaning; that being “chosen one.” Jesus Christ was chosen to be our Savior before the earth was created. He was anointed with the Holy Spirit to free us from sin. He, our Shepherd, has given us the same Spirit. Therefore, we, His sheep, are also anointed; having been chosen to carry on the work of the kingdom.