The Process of Our Calling

 

The process of making olive oil can serve as a powerful metaphor for understanding the process of our calling. 

Deeply rooted in good soil to bear fruit, the harvest, God’s timing for our calling, the pressing and refining process, the oil, healing, and anointing, sharing the oil to shine, help, and serve others. Ultimately, our purpose is to bring glory to God and share His love with the world. 

Olive oil is a symbol throughout Scripture, often representing the Holy Spirit, anointing, healing, and spiritual nourishment. Let’s break this down by exploring the process of making olive oil and the spiritual parallels someone can draw.

The olive tree represents God's people, deeply rooted in His Word and truth. The strength and fruitfulness of the olive tree depend on its roots, much like our lives depend on being rooted in God's Word, love, and truth.

Psalm 52:8: "But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever."

Romans 11:17-18: "But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches."

Just as the olive tree must be deeply rooted in good soil to bear fruit, we, too, are called to be rooted in God’s Word and His love. Our calling and purpose begin with a deep connection to God—being grounded in His promises and truth.

When olives are harvested, they are gathered at a specific time when they are ripe and ready for pressing. Similarly, God has appointed times for us to be used for His purposes. Just as olives must mature before being harvested, we, too, go through a growth process before we are ready to serve in specific ways. We must trust God’s timing as He prepares us for the work He has for us.

Ecclesiastes 3:1: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."

Galatians 6:9: "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

One of the most crucial steps in producing olive oil is pressing the olives to extract the oil. The olives are crushed under pressure to release the oil inside. Just like the refining process and pressing to make olive oil, God often uses difficult and painful experiences to refine us, shape our character, and bring out the best in who He has called us to be.  

2 Corinthians 4:8-10: "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies."

Romans 5:3-4: "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope."

The pressing of the olives can be likened to the trials and hardships we face as Christians. While the pressing can be painful, it results in the release of God's purposes within us. Through these struggles, character is refined and shaped so we can reflect God’s glory and be more effective in loving, serving, and ministering to others. 

Just as the oil is used for anointing and healing, God anoints us with the Holy Spirit to fulfill our calling. The Holy Spirit empowers us to serve, heal, and bring light to those in need. We are vessels of God's power and presence, meant to share His love and truth with others.

Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

James 5:14-15: "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up."

One of the primary uses of olive oil in biblical times was to light lamps. The oil provides light to illuminate dark places. As believers, we are called to be lights in the world, drawing others to the love of Christ through our actions, words, and service.

Matthew 5:14-16: "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Our purpose, empowered by the Holy Spirit (the oil), is to shine brightly and serve others. Just as olive oil fuels a lamp, our lives should be filled with the light of Christ, illuminating the world around us and leading others to Him.

Once the oil is pressed and purified, it is meant to be shared with others—whether for healing, nourishment, or light. In the same way, God calls us to share what we have with others. We are anointed to bless and serve those around us, not for ourselves.

1 Peter 4:10: "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."

The oil represents the gifts and grace God has given us. We are to pour out these gifts to help others, sharing God's love and truth wherever we go.

The process of making olive oil—rooted in faith, harvested in God's timing, pressed through trials, and anointed for service—beautifully mirrors our spiritual journey. God is at work in our lives, refining and shaping us to fulfill His purposes.

Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

1 Peter 4:12-13: "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."

Like olive oil, we are meant to be poured out for God’s glory and for the good of others. Through every stage of life, God uses our experiences to prepare, refine, empower, and equip us to serve those around us. Ultimately, our purpose is to shine brightly, bringing glory to God and sharing His love with the world.

Like olive oil, we are meant to be poured out for God’s glory and the good of others. Through every stage of life, God uses our experiences to prepare, refine, empower, and equip us to serve those around us. Ultimately, our purpose is to shine brightly, bringing glory to God and sharing His love with the world.

Truth, Talk & Testimonies YouTube Channel

Please like, share, and subscribe. Thank you! :)

What was olive oil a symbol of in the Bible from Got Questions