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“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”  I Peter 2:9    (ESV)

While I am definitely not an expert on priesthood, I have been challenged by the role of the High Priests in the Old Testament.  His job was to put God on display – to look and act differently from the rest.  To be set apart, holy and consecrated.  Part of his role was to help the people navigate atonement and guide their heart toward obedience to God’s commands. Morning and evening, the priest would offer sacrifices for the sins of Israel.  They would also guide the Israelites in bringing their offerings for their sins.  The priests were great intercessors and pleaded on behalf of the people to God, much like Moses did in the wilderness.  And lastly, they distributed resources to people in need out of the abundance others brought.

Wow, what a job!

As grand as the High Priest’s job was, they were still human.  When they offered sacrifices for others, they also had to offer sacrifices for their own sins.  No one was sinless (Romans 3:10), until the pivot moment when Jesus entered our world.  The sinless Son of God became our divine High Priest forever (Hebrews 5) through His death on the cross.  Jesus’ blood paved the way for us to have an intimate relationship with God – He became our mediator, our bridge from God to man. And He intercedes before His Father on our behalf.  We are clothed in His righteousness not our filthy rags (2 Corinthians 5:21).

So what does this mean for us?

Peter reminds us in I Peter 2:9 that we are a royal priesthood.   We have roles to fulfill like the High Priests and Christ exemplified. In fact, the early church fully exemplified this role making it real and personal for believers today.  Here’s some questions to ponder:

• Are we different – or do we simply blend into our world? Not just how we look, but how we act, think and speak.
• Do we help others navigate their faith and teach them how to confess their sins and walk in the grace and mercy God offers?
• Do we intercede on behalf of others?
• Do we steward our resources well so we can help others in need?

We have been set apart to draw others to God and to exemplify His love and grace.  Interceding isn’t optional nor is helping others in need.  May God open our eyes this week to see the privilege and honor we have in being His people – a royal priesthood. Reflecting our great High Priest to our world.

“Father, how blessed we are to be Your chosen people. May we honor You through obedience and declaring how awesome You are to our world.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life