372. The Oil of Gladness

All oil creates gladness. First the natural oil and then the spiritual oil.

When a clock is cleaned and lubricated with good oil, it runs smoother and gives the watchmaker pleasure. When a boat is to go through speed tests, they pour oil into the cylinders and bearings to avoid friction. A mechanic cannot manage without oil. Competent generals and admirals can do nothing without oil. All the mechanical parts of canons and hand guns must be clean, polished, and well oiled. A little bit of rust, and everything grinds to a halt.

This was the natural oil. How good and beneficial it is when everything is clean and lubricated. Everyone is delighted, and everything works satisfactorily.

It is written of Jesus, “You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions.” Heb. 1:9. There is something called the oil of gladness. Where is its source?

It is written that we should not grieve the Holy Spirit. When it is written in this way, it is quite clear that we can also give the Holy Spirit joy. This happiness returns to us, and it is this oil of gladness that we are anointed with when we love righteousness and hate lawlessness. Here we have the secret of Jesus’ joy.

When some of the friends sit moping in the meetings and never say anything, then spiritually speaking their mechanisms are rusted and lack oil. They themselves have no joy, and they lack the ability to make others happy. These friends do not hate lawlessness and do not love righteousness as they should. Because of this, they lack oil, and the machinery stops working.

When a door creaks and squeaks, and the latch is stiff and slow, it requires oil. When the friends are sluggish and sleepy, there is a lack of the oil of gladness. “Anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.” “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing—life forevermore.” Psalm 133.