Confidence in God's Anointed refers to the trust and assurance placed in those whom God has chosen and appointed for specific purposes, particularly in leadership and deliverance roles. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where God’s anointed individuals are often seen as instruments of His will and bearers of His authority.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the term "anointed" is frequently associated with kings, priests, and prophets. The Hebrew word "mashiach," meaning "anointed one," is used to describe those set apart by God for a divine purpose. One of the most prominent examples is King David, who was anointed by the prophet Samuel. David's anointing signified God's choice and favor, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:13: "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward."

The confidence in God's anointed is exemplified in the relationship between David and the people of Israel. Despite his imperfections, David was seen as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), and his leadership was marked by a reliance on God's guidance. The Psalms, many of which are attributed to David, often reflect this trust in God's anointed leadership. Psalm 20:6 declares, "Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He answers him from His holy heaven with the saving power of His right hand."

Messianic Expectation

The concept of God's anointed also carries a messianic expectation, particularly in the prophetic literature. The prophets foretold of a coming anointed one who would establish God's kingdom and bring salvation to His people. Isaiah 61:1 speaks of this anointed figure: "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound."

This expectation is fulfilled in the New Testament with the arrival of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Anointed One, or Messiah. The Greek equivalent of "mashiach" is "Christos," from which the title "Christ" is derived. Jesus' anointing is affirmed at His baptism, where the Holy Spirit descends upon Him, and God declares, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17).

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, confidence in God's Anointed is fully realized in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Believers are called to place their trust in Him as the fulfillment of God's promises and the mediator of the new covenant. The apostle Peter, in his sermon at Pentecost, emphasizes this confidence by declaring, "God has raised this Jesus to life, to which we are all witnesses. Exalted, then, to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear" (Acts 2:32-33).

The epistles further encourage believers to maintain their confidence in Christ, who is both the author and perfecter of their faith (Hebrews 12:2). The apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 3:12, "In Him and through faith in Him we may enter God’s presence with boldness and confidence."

Practical Implications

Confidence in God's Anointed has practical implications for the life of a believer. It calls for a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ as the sovereign Lord and Savior. This confidence is not merely intellectual assent but involves a deep, personal trust in His redemptive work and ongoing presence through the Holy Spirit. It also encourages believers to recognize and respect those whom God has anointed for leadership within the church, understanding that such appointments are part of His divine order and purpose.

In summary, confidence in God's Anointed is a central theme throughout Scripture, pointing ultimately to Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan and the source of eternal hope and assurance for all who believe.