Royal Priesthood
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A Royal Priesthood
1Pet 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;
You Are A Royal Priesthood!
1Peter 2:9 is foundational for the Christian. It speaks to our identiy; it tells us who and what we are. You are...., we are unequivocally defined, and then because of that identity, we are given a calling, a life purpose. In short, 1Pet 2:9 tells us what it means to be a Christian. Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Darkness also attempts to define us. The questions of what is real and important, who we are, and what life is about, are answered by this culture and it's institutions. Their message is clear, it's a message of getting, consuming and no pain. Personal achievement, personal fulfillment, personal security, and daily entertainment are the mantra of successful living and for them the way of inner peace. It is a powerful message, accepted by most, good on the surface, but leading only to hell.
The Christian Bears God's Presence
The life of the Christian is to show forth the praises of Him that called you out of darkness. This is the ministry of every Christian. Remember the Old Testament Priesthood, they carried the Ark of The Covenant on their shoulders. The Ark represented the presence of God, and was borne only by those chosen for this ministry; God's people have always borne His presence.
In Christ, we bear the presence of God, not on our shoulder, but inwardly, and show forth or display His presence by our heart attitudes and our behavior. We show forth His Holy character, His praises (His beauty, His goodness) by our priorities, our desires, our ambitions, even by the books we read, the music we listen to, and the television that entertains us. Our calling is to serve the Lord with gladness and joy; by turning from evil we show His Holy character to the world.
God bless you, priest of the Lord, as you bear and show forth the presence of God. Be encouraged, you have a great and high calling. There are more for you than against you, and there is more right with you than wrong with you and Jesus is going to see you through!
God Bless,
Jim