Oil...Everywhere!

Yesterday, one of our dear saints who isn't often able to come to church was able to be in worship. She's battling a serious illness, a horrible disease that usually robs her of her strength and vitality. But yesterday, thanks be to God, she was able to make it to church and to Sunday School. A few days before, her husband had told me she might be there, and that she'd like to be anointed with oil and have prayers for healing. I told him I would be glad to do that, so yesterday, when I saw her in worship, I suggested we gather after worship with a small group for prayers and anointing.

Oil is an ancient symbol. It was used to consecrate the priests in the Old Testament, and has been, for millennia, seen as a symbol of healing. In the New Testament times, it was often used as a salve or put in the binding of a wound. We're told in the book of James to anoint those who are sick and to pray for healing, because oil then becomes a reminder of God's presence and power. We don't believe there is any "magic" in the oil, but in obedience to the Scriptures and as a reminder of God's presence even in the midst of sickness, we anoint those who wish with oil.

I inherited a bottle of anointing oil many years ago. It was left for me by a previous pastor at a previous appointment. He has since gone home to be with Jesus, and I remember him when I use this oil. But even though I've used it many times, the bottle was still relatively full. Until yesterday.

After worship was over, we gathered in the front office and I anointed her with oil in the shape of the cross on her forehead. Then we prayed, and we asked God for healing and for strength and to remind her of his presence. It was a wonderfully beautiful time, and she expressed her gratitude to all of us. Then, when the "amen" was said, there were hugs and tears, and I reached to retrieve the bottle of oil. However, I quickly learned I had not screwed the lid back on, and it fell out of my hands and onto the floor. Oil everywhere. Silly me, then, I reached to pick it up, forgetting that oil is slippery. The bottle turned upside down in my hands, and more oil went everywhere...on my shoes, my clothes, her scooter and most anyone who was nearby. It smelled good...but it sure made a mess.

And yet, the more I think about it, I realized that when God shows up, it's not always a neat, concise thing like we try to make it. Sometimes it's messy, like spilled oil. Sometimes God "gets all over the place," spilling out where we least expect it. Sure, the bottle fell (twice!) because of my clumsiness, and yet I think there was a reminder there even in the mess. Because God shows up in the midst of messes.

She said it was the most memorable anointing she'd ever experienced. Well, the odor won't go away for a while, I'd imagine. And every time I smell that oil in the air, I want to be reminded that God is present in the midst of my mess. He's present in the midst of yours, too.