In a message titled “Afterglow: The Spirit Is Upon Me,” based on Isaiah 61:1–3, Pastor Allen Victor explained what happens when the Spirit of God rests upon a person. The passage declares, “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me,” showing that God empowers individuals through His Spirit to accomplish His work for His glory. The Pastor explained that the word “anointed” refers to being set apart or consecrated for a special purpose. In Scripture, anointing involved spreading oil as a sign that someone had been chosen and marked by God.

Allen clarified that the “Me” speaking in Isaiah 61:1–3 ultimately referred to the Messiah. While Isaiah wrote the prophecy, Jesus later identified Himself as its fulfillment. In Luke 4:16–21, Jesus read this very passage in the synagogue at Nazareth and then declared, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” By doing this, Jesus publicly revealed that He was the Anointed One sent by God to accomplish the mission described in the prophecy.

The Pastor then walked through the four key purposes of Christ’s anointing. First, Jesus was anointed to preach good tidings to the poor. Allen explained that this poverty primarily refers to spiritual bankruptcy rather than financial need. A person may possess wealth in this world and yet be spiritually empty before God. The “good tidings,” or gospel, comes from the word meaning “good news.” Just as a herald urgently announces important news, believers are called to proclaim the message of salvation. The Pastor illustrated this urgency with the story of Paul Revere warning that the British were coming. In the same way, the gospel is life-saving news that should be shared boldly. Christians can proclaim it not only through preaching but also through their conduct and by supporting ministry and missions.

Second, Jesus was anointed to heal the brokenhearted. Allen acknowledged that many people carry deep wounds from loss, trauma, or painful experiences. Some attempt to cope through unhealthy habits, addictions, or distractions. While counselors and medicine may help manage symptoms, the Pastor explained that only Christ can truly heal a wounded soul. Because brokenness ultimately stems from the effects of sin in a fallen world, true restoration is found in coming to Jesus and following His Word.

Third, Jesus was anointed to proclaim liberty to the captives, as described in Isaiah 61:1 and illustrated by the Year of Jubilee in Leviticus 25. During Jubilee, debts were forgiven, slaves were set free, and property was restored. Allen explained that this pointed to Christ’s mission to free people from spiritual bondage. Many are captive to addictions, bitterness, anger, debt, or sin itself, but Jesus came to declare freedom and release.

Fourth, Jesus was anointed to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, bringing comfort to those who mourn and replacing ashes with beauty, mourning with joy, and heaviness with praise (Isaiah 61:2–3). The Pastor explained that this “acceptable year” represents the era that began with Christ’s first coming and continues today. God is still healing the brokenhearted, freeing captives, and transforming lives. Yet the passage also reminds believers that a future day of judgment will come when Christ returns.

Allen concluded by noting that God’s anointing did not stop with Isaiah or with Jesus’ earthly ministry. Through the outpouring of the Spirit described in Acts 2:14–18, God continues to empower His people to serve Him. Believers are called to share the gospel with urgency and to bring people to the One who truly heals and delivers. When the Spirit of God works through His people, lives are transformed and God receives the glory.

This message was shared at Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville, a church under the leadership of Pastor Allen Victor.

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