photo by: Darrell Eudell

Today's Peace and Praise is brought to you by Larissa Carter, Chaplain of the Connectional Young Adult Ministry in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

“ And Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein and sanctified them” (Leviticus 8:10)

Imagine being a farmer. One day your sheep are fine, healthy with the fluffiest wool, and the next day, they die.   You know that something has gotten into your sheep; it could be poison or spoiled food. You research the matter and find out lice and other insects are killing your sheep. They get into the wool of the sheep, and when they get near the sheep’s head, they burrow into the sheep’s ears and kill the sheep. The solution, as shown by the ancient farmer, is pouring oil on the sheep's head. This made the wool slippery, making it impossible for insects to get near the sheep's ears because the insects would slide off.

We are all familiar with the saying, “What’s gotten into you?” When someone we know begins to act out of character, we want to know what brought about the change. The problem occurs when, just like with the sheep, we allow things (gossip, lust, envy, pride, jealousy, lack of patience) to get to close to our head (our mind) and once they do, they get into us.  Romans 12:2 states, to be ye in this world but not of it, but it is so easy for the insects to get to our minds, whether this is through music, movies, TV or books.

 But, thank God for the oil. Leviticus 8:10 states, “And Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein and sanctified them”. The anointing provides protection and deliverance. Another meaning for the word anointed is "chosen one." The Bible declares that Jesus Christ is the anointed one sent from God, and sent to free those who have been held captive by sin. Fasting and praying is the opportunity for us to use our oil and wash some things away that we may have taken on over time. From anger or doubt, fasting allows us to give it to Christ and allow him to wash it away.  And, like the sheep, when the oil is applied, all the insects and worldly distractions will slip away.

Consider, as you continue your Lenten fast from things that may be a hindrance replacing them with pray and scripture.  For example, if you chose to not listen to secular music on the radio for 2 hours a day, replace it with gospel music, or include prayer time or reading your word for 30 minutes each day.