“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9

Here Peter is using Old Testament terminology to express to the young church the importance of seeing Christ represented in the Scriptures (they only had the Old Testament … the New Testament was being written). Like the nation of Israel in the Old Testament, God had chosen the neophyte church to be His sole possession. They, like Israel of old, were a royal priesthood, understood to mean a royal house or body of priests. Calling the church “the body of priests” emphasizes its corporate role in worship, intercession, and ministry. “Holy nation” shows that God has “set apart” (Greek “ekklesia”) the church for His use. 

In the Old Testament the office of the priest was pure and holy and carried with it plenty of responsibilities. The office itself was above the mortal man who fulfilled it. A priest must be holy in body, upright in conduct, and ceremonially clean; for he is the representative of God. He was a type of Christ, modeling what would be expected from the coming Messiah. He mediated between man and God, although not perfect in his tasks, he was obedient to God’s calling.

Finally, the question of “why?” is answered. We, the church, are set apart from the world to be representatives, ambassadors if you will, of Christ and His kingdom. We are to reflect the light of Christ in a world of darkness.  Put in simple terms, we are to speak, behave and love like Christ did in order to win lost souls.  We are to be like the priests (the good ones!) of old who carried out the duties commanded by God. 

You may not think of yourself as a priest of God, but your lack of trust and belief doesn’t negate the truth of Scripture. If you have decided to follow Jesus, have dedicated your life to Him and have confessed with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, you are a priest. Now, let’s you and I put on our holy robe of righteousness that was earned at the cross and go about our task of showing the love of God to a lost and dying world. Let’s shine for Jesus!

In Christ,

Pastor Dave

Questions to Ponder:

1.  List some of the duties of the priests in the Old Testament. (Psalm 110; Zechariah 6:11-14)

2.  Old Testament priest were the voice of man before God. They  were intercessors between a holy and righteous God and sinful man. In what ways do you carry out this priesthood responsibility?

3.  Human behavior is an interesting thing to study. I’ve witnessed when a Roman Catholic Priest, dressed head-to-toe in his pompous priestly attire, walked by a crowd and the crowd reacted with reverence. I’ve seen this same priest, dawned in casual attire walk in the mall and no one respond to him at all! Why is that? What is so special about the outer attire, the robe and head gear, that solicits such reaction?

4.  Like the Roman Catholic Priest, you are a priest of God. Do people in your family, workplace or out in public know you for what you are and who you represent?