RIVERS OF OIL RIVERS OF OIL
Job 29:6 “When my steps were bathed with cream, And the rock poured out rivers of oil for me!” INSIGHT -The word oil in... RIVERS OF OIL

Job 29:6

“When my steps were bathed with cream, And the rock poured out rivers of oil for me!”

INSIGHT

-The word oil in Hebrew is written as shemen which often times relates to olive oil. In the Bible, olive oil was emblematically used for; anointing kings like Saul (1 Samuel 10:1) and David (1 Samuel 16:13). It was also used to concentrate priests like Aaron and his sons (Exodus 29:9), and numerous other uses. From the main text, rivers of oil has been used to represent the presence of the Holy Spirit. Cream is normally a product of processed milk. Milk in the Bible is figuratively used to mean the word of God. Therefore, when we believe in Jesus Christ and accept Him as our personal Savior, we are required to hear His word, and be diligent to put it into practice. Then the Rock who is Christ will pour out rivers of oil in our spirits to embody the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Consequently, anyone who hears the word of God and puts it into practice with be likened to a man who build his house on a rock, and when storm comes, it remains stable due to the presence of the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER

Lord You are our Rock and Shield. Our Fortress and Deliverer. Our God and our Rock, in whom we take refuge. Our Shield and the horn of our salvation. Our Stronghold in whom we put our trust. All our hope and trust is in You our Lord and God. We trust in You Jesus and proclaim Your salvation in all the earth. Thank You for the breath of life Holy Spirit. Thank You for enabling us to see this new week in perfect peace. Thank You for Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Thank You for anointing our steps with cream and our heads with oil. Thank You for writing Your name on our foreheads, for we belong to You Jesus. Thank You for loving us and for choosing us. Your word is a lamb to our feet and a light to our path. Teach us to hear Your word and to put it into practice. Teach us to do Your will. May You heal all those who are sick and suffering. May You remember all those who are jobless and unmarried that Your favor may be upon them. May You anoint us afresh Holy Spirit and grant those who do not believe in You the gift of salvation. May Your presence always be with us. May You deliver us from all plans of the evil one and grant us victory in all things. Guide us throughout the week and may all our plans succeed for the glory and honor of Your name. We love You Lord and praise You. May the fire of Your love always be present in our lives. Amen

Further reading: John 7:37-39, Matthew 7:24-25

 

 

Ezekiel 32:14

“Then I will make their waters clear, And make their rivers run like oil,” Says the Lord God.”

INSIGHT

-The Lord spoke of the destruction of the Egyptian oppressor Pharaoh, and the desolation that would come upon Egypt. Further to this, He revealed the downfall that would accompany the king of Babylon. These events would resort to the restoration of the children of Israel. The Lord promised favor upon them, this not really focused on the restoration of Egypt’s original power, but the establishment of the Divine Ruler in the place of a pagan god opposing power. God’s sovereignty was to be experienced by all, great and small, and His sure peace promised to calm the waters through the Prince of peace. He also promised a refreshing and restoration like a river of flowing oil. In Joel 2:25-26, we see God reaffirming His promise to restore the years that the swarming locust has eaten. Such is the restoration that Job experienced after he had lost his family and all his possessions. Let us then not loose hope or despair when we face challenges and tribulations, for God is our ever present help in times of need, and He will restore our health (Jeremiah 30:17), wealth (Joel 42:10), joy of our salvation (Psalm 51:12), according to His merciful love.

PRAYER

Lord You are my shepherd; I shall not want. You makes me lie down in green pastures. You lead me beside still waters. You restores my soul. You lead me in paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and staff, comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Your house forever. Restore the years that the swarming locust has eaten dear Jesus. You are our Strength and Salvation, restore our lives, families, churches, society and nation loving Master. Restore our health and wealth we humbly ask You. Restore unto us the joy of Your salvation Almighty God. All glory, honor, power and praise belongs to You Jesus, now and forever. Amen

Further reading: Isaiah 61:7, Psalm 23

 

 

1 Kings 17:16

“The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah.”

INSIGHT

-God’s provision and sustenance has often been demonstrated by rivers of oil. Elijah went to Zarephath in the region of Sidon, and found a poor widow who was faced with starvation. He requested her to first sustain the bearer of God’s instructions as her faith was tested. Although the widow lived in a pagan dominated region, God used prophet Elijah to perform His promise. Prophet Elisha also performed a similar miracle where he multiplied barrels of olive oil in exchange for a widows son’s freedom. She could not afford to pay her debts and was willing to offer her two sons as slaves. Elisha opened an enterprise for her where she sold the olive oil and made some profit (2 Kings 4:1-7). The church of Philippi was also driven by faith as they watered apostle Paul’s needs even as preached in other regions like Macedonia and Thessalonica. Even though Paul expressed contentment in all circumstances, it was pleasing to him that he prays for a blessing unto them. He prayed that favor would be credited into their account, and that His faithful God to supply all their needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). Giving is an act of faith which demonstrates that God is our Provider and Sustainer. It is a Biblical principle that reciprocates God’s blessings upon us.

PRAYER

Dear Almighty Father we come before You today with thanksgiving in our hearts. We appreciate You Jesus for this far that You have brought us and the far that You are taking us. Thank You for providing for us, sustaining us, protecting us, guiding us, healing our hearts and our wounds, blessings us and our families, blessing our businesses and work, blessing our nation, blessing our ministries and callings, giving us the gift of salvation, and for every benefit that we have received from You. We count our blessings and name them one by one. Thank You for the rivers of olive oil that You have always provided. We count our blessings and name them one by one. May You forgive us all our trespasses as we forgive those who offend us. Deliver us dear Jesus from unforgiveness and unbelief. Give us generous hearts that we may always be willing to give for the glory of Your name. May You supply all our needs dear God according to Your riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Our Father who art in heaven; hallowed be Your name; Your Kingdom come; Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptations but deliver us from evil; for thine is the Kingdom the power and the glory; forever and ever. Amen

Further reading: Proverbs 11:25, Matthew 25:34-40

 

 

1 Kings 1:39

“Then Zadok the priest took a horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. And they blew the horn, and all the people said, “Long live King Solomon!”

INSIGHT

-Olive oil was often used for anointing during Biblical times as it is today. Priests and king’s were anointed by used of oil which poured down like rivers. Psalms 133:1-2 bespeaks of precious oil running down Aaron’s beard to the edge of his garments. King Saul was anointed by Samuel when the Israelites demanded for a king (1 Samuel 10:1). Likewise, David was anointed king of Israel by Samuel even as his brothers seem more favorable. The Holy Spirit then came upon him from that day onwards to lead him (1 Samuel 16:13). Solomon was anointed king by Zadok the priest. Anointed priests therefore anointed kings. Aaron and his sons were anointed and concentrated to serve in the temple (Exodus 29:9). As Aaron and his sons were consecrated by the sprinkling of blood and oil on their garments to serve in the temple, we were bathed into the blood of Jesus on the cross for the remission of our sins, and birthed as a new creation by the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirt, and serve as priests and kings to God.

PRAYER

Dear Almighty Father we love You and appreciate You. Only You deserve to be worshipped, honored and praised. Only You are Holy and Mighty, we rely on Your faithfulness. You are the Vine and we are the branches Jesus, we can do nothing without You. May You take preeminence in our lives. Purge us with hyssop and cleanse us merciful Savior. Blot out our transgressions and wash us with Your precious blood dear Jesus. Create in us clean hearts Oh Lord and renew a steadfast spirit within. Cast us not away from Your presence Lord and take not Your Holy Spirit from us. Restore unto us the joy of Your salvation, and uphold us by Your generous Spirit. Thank You for choosing us and anointing us with oil dear Jesus. We are Your chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and Your own special people, that we may proclaim Your praises Lord. Thank You for calling us out of darkness into Your marvelous light. Thank You for the gift of salvation unto us and all our generations. May Your salvation reach all our family members, friends, colleagues, leaders, nation and all the nations of the world. Thank You for loving us and choosing us Abba Father. We shall not be shaken even when the storms come, for You are with us and in us. We are more than conquerors in You Jesus. We are victorious under Your saving arm. Your grace is sufficient to us for Your power is made perfect in weakness, and when we are weak then we are strong. We cast all our burdens and anxieties unto You Jesus for You care for us. Fight for us every battle dear Jesus, for the battle belongs to You. We are priests and kings to You Lord, and we shall rule the earth; for the glory and honor and Your name. Strengthen us in our callings and purposes and make us succeed; for the glory and honor of Your name. Fill us with Your gifts and fruit Holy Spirit; for the glory and honor of Your name. Anoint us afresh Holy Spirit and make us complete in Your love. Amen 

Further reading: Psalms 89:20, Revelation 1:6, Revelation 5:10

 

 

Matthew 25:1-4

“Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.”

INSIGHT

-The parable of the ten virgins reminds us that Jesus is coming soon, and we should be ready. It seems obvious that when He returns some will be surprised and others will rejoice. As all the virgins trim their lamps at the trumpet blast, the five foolish virgins realize that their oil has been used up and borrow some from the wise. As they go to buy oil from the market, the Bridegroom comes and admits the wise virgins into His kingdom. The presence of the Holy Spirit is evidenced in the lives of the wise virgins who trim their lamps and it continuously burn. The light of the word of God shines in them like rivers of oil, and their faith in God illuminates all darkness.

SUMMARY

Olive oil is extracted from olive fruits through crushing and malaxing. It is then processed and refined through the centrifuge, and packaged for personal use or sale. Olive oil has numerous benefits, and the diversity thereof uncovers its importance. Olive oil is used for food, baking cakes and bread (Exodus 29:2), spice (Exodus 25:6), lighting oil lamps as in the temple (Exodus 27:20-21), consecration of the priests (Leviticus 8:30), a lotion for skin and ointment for hair (Psalms 104:15), healing due to its medicinal properties (Luke 10:34), anoint the sick (Mark 6:13, James 5:14) etc. Rivers of oil here describes its essence and vitality; to form part our well being. Job 29:6 models the core of this theme. The word of God has been likened to cream on the feet, to renew the mind of the hearer and doer of it. Then Christ who is Word and the Rock, pours rivers of oil to embody our spirits with His Holy Spirit once we believe and accept Him into our lives. As we know, the Holy Spirit is Biblically expressed by use of symbols such as fire, dove, new wine (Hosea 2:8) etc. Rivers of oil then incarnates the presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. When David was anointed king by Samuel with a horn of oil, the Holy Spirit came upon him from that moment; to guide him (1 Samuel 16:13). To serve in the temple, Aaron and his sons were anointed with olive oil (Exodus 30:30), and consecrated their garments with olive oil and blood (Leviticus 8:30). Rivers of oil was also a preserve of God’s Providence as the widow of Zarephath was restored (1 Kings 17:16). Also the restoration that was prophesied after the Babylonian captivity with reference to the fall of Pharaoh; the Egyptian oppressive master (Ezekiel 32:14). Rivers of oil reflect the restoration that God brings to our lives and situations. In our health, provision, wealth, spiritual nourishment, joy of our salvation, priesthood and kingship as His children, and other dimensions of His grace and favor. As the children of Israel were commanded to bring pure oil of pressed olives to produce light in the temple, and ensure the lamps burn continually (Leviticus 24:2), we are called to remain in constant communion with the Holy Spirit like the five wise virgins. Therefore, when Jesus returns He will find ready having kept the faith and ready to inherit His kingdom.

PRAYER

This is the day that the Lord has made, we rejoice and are glad in it. We dedicate this day unto You Lord, may Your presence go before us to guide us in all our plans. We declare that this day is filled with divine opportunities and strategic encounters. We declare this day is filled with supernatural breakthroughs and favor. May You open up the flood gates of heaven and shower us with Your divine blessings. Fill our spirits with Your Holy Spirit like flowing living water and rivers of oil. Let Your praises overflow in our hearts dear Jesus. You are lion of Judah, we praise Your holy name. Bless us Holy Spirit and keep us. Make Your face shine upon us and be gracious to us. Turn Your face toward us and give us peace. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and forever more. Amen

Further reading: John 7:37-39, Matthew 24:44

 

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