His Priests
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His Priests means we are responsible for the spiritual government of the earth.
In this season followers of the Lord Jesus Christ certainly do not feel welcome or wanted in spiritual government at any level. But it is our place to be ruling (or reigning) at every level. There is absolutely zero doubt that the earth would be a far better place if followers of Jesus were ruling all the governments of the world (local, regional and national) as they should. We absolutely belong there, and when we are absent, we experience the reproach along with the rest of society.
Prov. 14:34
[34] Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.
Rev. 5:1-14
[1] And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
[2] And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
[3] And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
[4] And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
[5] And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
[6] And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
[7] And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
[8] And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
[9] And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
[10] And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
[11] And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
[12] Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
[13] And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
[14] And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
As Priests in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, we are to be Reining Spiritually.
Priests have always served as mediators between God and men. They have also served in the role of teachers and judges and spiritual advisors, serving God in various ways on behalf of the people.
Old Testament Priesthood
The priesthood was established by God through Moses, with Aaron and his descendants appointed as the first priests (Exodus 28:1). The tribe of Levi was set apart for priestly duties, and within this tribe, the family of Aaron was designated for the high priesthood. The primary role of the priests was to serve in the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple, where they conducted sacrifices, offerings, and other rituals as prescribed by the Law.
1. Sacrificial Duties: Priests were responsible for offering sacrifices on behalf of the people. These included burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings, among others. Leviticus 1-7 provides detailed instructions on how these sacrifices were to be conducted. The priests acted as intermediaries, presenting the people's offerings to God and seeking atonement for their sins.
2. Teaching the Law: Priests were also tasked with teaching the Israelites the statutes and commandments of God. As stated in Leviticus 10:11, "You must teach the Israelites all the statutes that the LORD has given them through Moses." They were custodians of the Law, ensuring that the people understood and adhered to God's commands.
3. Maintaining Ritual Purity: The priests were charged with maintaining the ritual purity of the sanctuary and the people. This involved overseeing purification rites and diagnosing and treating cases of leprosy and other impurities (Leviticus 13-14).
4. Festivals and Holy Days: Priests played a central role in the observance of religious festivals and holy days, such as Passover, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. They led the community in worship and ensured that the celebrations were conducted according to divine instructions.
5. Judicial Functions: In some cases, priests served as judges, particularly in matters related to religious law and disputes (Deuteronomy 17:8-12). They were seen as authorities on the Law and were consulted for their wisdom and guidance.
New Testament Priesthood
In the New Testament, the concept of priesthood undergoes a significant transformation with the advent of Jesus Christ, who is described as the ultimate High Priest. The Epistle to the Hebrews elaborates on this, stating, "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands, that is, not of this creation" (Hebrews 9:11).
1. Christ as High Priest: Jesus is portrayed as the fulfillment of the Old Testament priesthood, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. His priesthood is eternal and unchanging, as He "always lives to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:25).
2. The Priesthood of All Believers: With Christ's sacrifice, the New Testament introduces the concept of the priesthood of all believers. 1 Peter 2:9 states, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This signifies that all Christians have direct access to God and are called to serve Him in various capacities.
3. Role in the Early Church: While the New Testament does not establish a formal priesthood akin to the Old Testament, it does recognize roles of leadership and service within the church, such as elders and deacons, who are tasked with shepherding the flock and teaching the Word (1 Timothy 3:1-13).
The role of the priests, both in the Old and New Testaments, underscores the importance of mediation, sacrifice, and teaching in the relationship between God and His people. Through the priesthood, God provided a means for His people to approach Him, understand His will, and live in accordance with His commands.
Above from Biblehub; https://biblehub.com/topical/t/the_role_of_the_priests.htm
end quotation from Bible Hub
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