Followers of Jesus are priests and kings! We are priest and kings to shine the light on the glory of God. This is a theme I sensed coming through during the 10 Days of Prayer and the Restore event last week. We are called to live so full of the Spirit of God that everyone we come in contact with is touched by the Spirit! We are the aroma of Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:14-16)
Understanding who our Creator says we are is one of the most important things we can grasp. Peter makes it clear we are important!
“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.” [Emphasis mine] 1 Peter 2:9
First, we are chosen! That’s a big deal. We have been bought with a price, The blood of His only son.
Then we are royalty! We are Kings with the authority to rule and reign here on earth. That is the gist of the cultural mandate Humankind was given at creation.” Gen. 1:26
Before Jesus, one had governmental authority to rule like a king, or one had religious authority to minister to the Lord and our spirits, like a priest. They generally did not mix. Peter tells us we are both at the same time! It was a new thing 2,000 years ago and I believe our Creator is breathing fresh life into this concept for His Church these days.
A priest is usually considered a religious leader who performs the sacraments. Peter tells us we are all priests, so we have free access to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are invited to “minister” to the Lord of Glory through prayer and worship.
We are Kings with authority to rule over creation. Genesis 1:26 & 28 God made us in His image, male and female, and told us to take dominion over the land, sea, air and everything in them. Only people have this authority from on high.
As we learn to walk by faith in these realities, as forgiven children, humble, yet increasingly with clean hands and a pure hearts we become increasingly full of the authority of our Creator. The glory of God is revealed in and through us. (1Peter 5:1)
These days I feel the sufferings Peter mentions in that verse and I sense the glory that is being revealed!
Dear One who made me, Grant me the grace to understand and experience your love and forgiveness so deeply that your aroma wafts in every room I enter. May we all know our identities as chosen priests and kings! I desire to count on your righteousness so I do not have to prove myself or protect myself. I long to see your glory in all the earth! To see signs and wonders, from healing broken bones and cancer to healing broken relationships, bringing forgiveness and joy to all involved. Whatever comes at me, may I yield to your process of making me into your image, daily, so your glory may be revealed!
I always recommend reading: Destined for the Throne, by Paul Bilheimer
