Psalm 133
1 How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!2 For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe.3 Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion.And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.
A few weeks ago someone asked me what my thoughts were on the corporate anointing. I had never heard this phrase before, though I understood what the question was. This individual was asking if I believed there was an increase in anointing that happens when people gather corporately around what God is doing. The short answer is, “yes, absolutely”. There is no doubt an increase in God’s anointing on His people when they gather together in unity to be a part of what He is doing. The psalm above illustrates this perfectly. When God’s people become of one mind and one heart over what God is doing, there is an increase in heavenly authority and a refreshing grace that comes upon them to accomplish God's will. Just like the authority that came upon Aaron to lead the priesthood for Israel and to speak on Moses’s behalf. Just as the dew on Mount Hermon that gives new life and resurrection in dry places throughout Israel.
There is a reservoir of anointing in heaven that is held exclusively for the unified Church. Think about David and his mighty men. How was it possible that so many powerful and highly skilled warriors were able to rally around a simple shepherd boy anointed king turned fugitive on the run from King Saul hiding in caves. Well, if you remember many of these mighty warriors were also fugitives and outcasts who were drawn to David because they were discarded by society. As they came to David’s aid and more so joined themselves to what God was doing through David, a supernatural authority and grace upon them to accomplish the call, began to infuse with their natural abilities. This is the corporate anointing. When the Church becomes one mind and one heart over the vision God has bestowed upon them there is an increase in the anointing on everyone participating. Remember the conditions in Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit was poured out. What were the conditions needed for the weak and scared believers who were still unsure of what really was next for them after the crucifixion of Jesus? They were simply gathered together in “one accord”, or in unity. This was all God needed for the Holy Spirit to pour out and for Peter to receive an increase in grace and authority where he could then preach a message that would bring 3,000 unbelievers to faith in Christ. Unity is a threshold to increase in the Holy Spirit. This is why the enemy works so hard for there to be so much division in the Church. When the Church is unified it becomes an unstoppable force with a voice that can turn the tide of culture. When the Church is divided and fragmented it’s voice is timid and pushed around by the powers of culture. This is also why we as a Church body have been so persistent to carry the vision of Appalachia. Not only are we honoring the Lord by stewarding what He has called us to carry, but also we are creating an environment where believers can be faithfully committed around what God is doing here and then be infused with the increased anointing and grace that flows from unity. For example, we just had the Appalachia Awakening Conference, it was awesome. You're probably sick of me talking about it by now. I get it, but you wouldn’t believe the phone calls and messages I have received with people testifying about what Jesus has done in their families, businesses, ministries, lives, etc. since attending the conference. The senders of these testimonies all seem to recognize the increase of anointing on their lives that came from even just three days of being connected to and unified around what God is doing in this region. It is a profound concept, which really should act as a call to action. We should each desire for God to show us where we are called to be connected and committed to His call. Whether it’s Appalachia or otherwise. Then we should fight to stay unified with others who are called to be committed likewise. We should discard our preferences and our affinities, understanding if we choose to stay unified, we are also making space for Jesus to increase His anointing in our lives.
Love,
Pastor John
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