Anointed to Serve

Philosophy View of Serve

Perform duties or services for another person or an organization.

Biblical View of Serve

Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28 NIV

Do you ever feel inadequate to serve the Lord? If a cleansed leper could serve God, we certainly can. Leviticus 14:15-18 describes a ceremony using oil to anoint and heal the leper.

Leprosy is a chronic, progressive bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. It primarily affects the nerves of the extremities, the skin, the lining of the nose, and the upper respiratory tract. Leprosy is also known as Hansen’s disease.

Leprosy was also a feared disease in ancient times because it was very contagious. Those who contracted leprosy were ostracized to protect everyone else. Sometimes, however a person would find the leprosy had been cured.

And the priest shall take some of the log of oil, and pour it into the palm of his own left hand:

And the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the Lord:

And of the rest of the oil that is in his hand shall the priest put upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot, upon the blood of the trespass offering:

And the remnant of the oil that is in the priest’s hand he shall pour upon the head of him that is to be cleansed: and the priest shall make an atonement for him before the Lord. Leviticus 14:15-18 NIV

When a person was healed of leprosy, he first had to let the Priest examine him. If the priest declared a leper healed, then he had to go to Tabernacle to offer a sacrifice. According to Leviticus 14:10-11 First, the blood of this sacrifice was placed on the ear, the thumb, and the toe. This picture shows that atonement was first made with the blood.

And on the eighth day he shall take two he lambs without blemish, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish, and three tenth deals of fine flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and one log of oil.

And the priest that maketh him clean shall present the man that is to be made clean, and those things, before the Lord, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: Leviticus 14:10-11 NIV

Then came anointing with oil for service. After the offerings had been given, the Priest would anoint the person with olive oil. He would put some of the oil on the person’s ear, perhaps saying “Lord I will hear thee” symbolizing listening to the Lord. Then the person’s toe, perhaps saying “Lord I will walk up and down” to and fro for thee”. These both symbolised serving God. Finally, the priest would take the oil and pour it freely over the person’s head, perhaps saying “Thou art his that saves thee!” This symbolised total commitment to the Lord.

What an amazing thing- a leper given a ministry! For the rest of his life the healed leper would probably wonder about the incredible privilege. Cleansed and anointed to serve! Whenever we think about speaking, working, or serving God, we can remember that we are only cleansed lepers, and we should be grateful beyond measure for his forgiving and transforming power in our lives.

Bible Verses on Serving

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love

For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.”

Galatians 5:13-14

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality

Romans 12:9-13

“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10

4. “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:25

5. “The greatest among you will be your servant.” Matthew 23:11

6. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38

7. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

May we learn to serve with love as the the Lord would have us.