Wow, what a parenthesis to a focused look at our key verse! The words strive in verse eleven, and the phrase give account in verse thirteen, will stand out as we consider the living and active description of God, His Word, and true Christians. The word living as used in this verse is what we’d think — to live or to be alive. The Greek word employed here for active is ἐνεργής (energēs). It’s not hard to see we get the word energetic from this Greek transliteration. Active, as used in this passage, also means operative and powerful (The NKJV translates it as powerful).

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Tinnakorn Jorruang

Among many soul-stirring and beautiful biblical narratives, the account of Mary Magdalene anointing Jesus during a dinner held in His honor is one to ponder (Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14: 3-9; John 12:1-8). To anoint in a general sense means to pour or smear oil upon someone or something. Anointing is predominantly employed in a spiritual sense, and the context of its use tells us the significance of the anointing, as shown in the passages above.

Websters 1828 Dictionary defines anointing as, “to anoint the head with oil, as in Psalm 23:5. Here anointing seems to signify to communicate the consolations of the Holy Spirit.” Further, the dictionary adds, “The use of oil in consecrations, was of high antiquity. Kings, prophets, and priests were set apart or consecrated to their offices by the use of oil. Hence the peculiar application of the term, anointed to Jesus Christ.”

What Does It Mean to "Anoint" Something or Someone?

In a literal and general sense, to anoint someone or something means to consecrate them as special or marked for a cause. Christening a sea-going vessel before its maiden voyage is usually done by smashing a bottle of champagne against its bow. The ship has been anointed with champagne for “good luck.” (Just an aside, Christians don’t believe in “luck;” we champion faith in Christ.)

The biblical sense is the primary view we regard when defining anointing. In this meaning, then, anointing is being consecrated or made sacred and dedicated to God as shown by being dabbed with or having oil dripped on one’s head.

Photo credit: Public Domain (1919 illustration) via Wikimedia Commons

Webster’s 1828 Dictionary partly defines weary as “Having the patience exhausted, or the mind yielding to discouragement.” If we’re not careful, weariness can lead to depression. While weariness is also used to describe physical fatigue, we will concentrate on its spiritual side.

Christians, we can rejoice because we have a Savior who knows our trials. Jesus said, “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). When you’re hit with a weariness that threatens to dishearten you, lean into the Lord.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/eggeeggjiew

G.E. Miller, on 20 Something Finance says, “…there are few things that stress us out on a consistent basis like work does, especially when it takes away from all of the other things that life has to offer.” 

For Christians, regular church activities during the week can often add to the stress. Rest is difficult for us and for unbelievers too because we can’t shut off our brains. We need true rest. But what exactly does true, godly rest look like?

Where Does the Bible Mention Rest?

Genesis 2:2 is the first mention of rest, “And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.”

A few other places in Scripture that mention the same type of rest include Exodus 5:5, 16:30, 23;2, 23:32, Isaiah 66:23, and Matthew 12:1. 

Matthew 12:8 says, “For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath [rest].”

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Beli_photos