There is a high calling, a sacred role, and a special honor given to every believer. Through Christ Jesus, we have been given priestly and kingly roles (Revelation 1:6). 1 Peter 2: 9 says, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” We have been specially chosen to serve as priests and kings of the Most High God. This is a precious and great honor that has been bestowed on us. Only God can choose a person to be a priest; it is not an honor you take on yourself simply because you want to be a priest or love the title and recognition given to priests. Hebrews 5:4 puts it this way: “And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was.” The glory that comes with the office of a priest is a special gift and blessing. Even our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, didn’t take this glory on Himself; He was specially called and chosen by God into the office of a High Priest (Hebrews 5:5, Hebrews 4:14-15).
Priests are God’s representatives here on earth, representing men, women, young and old before God. Their key responsibility is to stand as a bridge between God and man. One of the vital functions of a priest is intercession—to offer prayers and supplications on behalf of others (Hebrews 5:1). If our prayers are self-centered, “me, myself, and I” prayers, prayers that just revolve around our own needs and give little or no room for others, then we haven’t yet stepped into our priestly role. We have been chosen, called, and set apart to bear the burdens of others through prayer and intercession. This is a daily assignment that shouldn’t be taken lightly or delegated to the “Prayer Squad”. Jesus, our great High Priest and perfect model and example of priesthood, even after He ascended to heaven, is still carrying out this priestly function. Hebrews 7:25 says, “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
Priests are messengers of God (Malachi 2:7) who perform sacred services (1 Corinthians 9:13). To carry out their responsibilities, they are to be anointed and consecrated (Exodus 30:30). God has called us to be a people who carry grace, anointing, and power. Our heads must not be empty and dry as we serve God and do the work of a priest; there must be fresh oil on our heads. Not every song, sermon, teaching, program, service, or charitable work ministers to people. To be able to minister to others, which is our work as priests, our service to God must be consecrated, yielded, and surrendered to God for His glory, and be anointed with God’s breath, life, and power. To serve as a royal priesthood, the oil on our heads must not run dry, and we must separate ourselves from everything that does not bring glory to God. In our royal priesthood office, we need to live consecrated lives for our service to be acceptable and impactful.
Priests can get so caught up in the daily routines and demands of the office of the priest that they lose sight of the heart of service, which is love for God and for man. In the account of the Good Samaritan, interestingly, the first person that came in contact with the man who had been attacked and beaten by robbers was a priest. “A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.” (Luke 10:31).
A priest is to be an understanding, sensitive, caring, and sympathetic person who lives by the principles of love and compassion, not someone who turns his back on the pains, weaknesses, and sufferings of others. We can truly call ourselves a royal priesthood when we have a heart for people, and moved by compassion, do something about their needs, pains, struggles, and sufferings. As a royal priesthood, what have you done lately to help someone in need, encourage someone who is down, and strengthen someone who is weak? I pray that God clothes us with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, so we can be that “Good Samaritan” our family, friends, neighborhood, community, and nation needs.
Priests are not sinless and perfect; this is why they offer sacrifices and prayers both for their sins and the sins of others. The only sinless and perfect Priest is Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7:27). God’s royal priesthood isn’t made up of people without flaws and imperfections. God’s royal priesthood is made up of men and women who are still work in progress. I’m sure you’ve noticed that when there’s construction work or repairs being carried out on roads, there are workmen wearing reflective vests or fluorescent jackets. Seeing them in these vests makes you aware that you’re in an area where there’s building, construction, and repair work in progress. Until the day we’re called home to meet with our Lord Jesus Christ, we remain a work in progress. The “reflective vests” God wears on us while we’re on this continuous journey of sanctification is the righteousness of Christ (Romans 3:22, Philippians 3:9, 2 Corinthians 5:21). It’s because of Christ’s righteousness, not our own, that we can come near to God to minister, and stand before Him as priests and kings. Without His righteousness, no one can qualify for the office of a priests. Jesus qualifies the unqualified (2 Corinthians 3:5, Colossians 1:12).
Indeed, it is a calling, blessing, and honor to belong to God’s royal priesthood. May God help us to truly understand and appreciate the unique role we play in the kingdom of God and be faithful and committed to our royal priesthood.
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