His Appointed Priests: What Service to God Requires
And it's important for us to understand that priests in their work have always been crucial to the workings of God on earth, and it is certainly so now in Christ's body.
His Appointed Priests
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Begin with the truth
We have all been set aside, adopted into the lineage of our high priest Jesus, so that each and every one of us can perform these duties that have been assigned to us in Christ, because there is plenty of work to do. And if I could just rant and rave on that for a minute or so, this eighty twenty rule in the church has got to go, where a small percent of the local church is doing most of the work, most of the teaching, most of the serving and visiting and giving and helping as if they have been set aside.
These preachers, these long-term members, these elders, deacons, etc., and their wives, they have been set aside as this elite group of priests who officiate in the temple to connect the random citizen church member with the great God of heaven.
What this reveals about God
And while there may be some disagreement with the way I word this next phrase or two, the way I understand it is this the collection of all Christians is the temple where God dwells, where God can be found upon this earth. And wherever you go, where the temple is, where God's people are gathered, there will be priests at the ready, ready to welcome you, ready to encourage you, to teach you, to serve you, to minister to your needs, and to connect you to God.
I'm talking about every member of your family who have been baptized into Christ, whether they are 18 years old or 81.
Let faith take root
There was a lineage there, an order of people who would step up into that role if one was deceased or otherwise disqualified. And of course, you and I don't need to know anything about being the great high priest who connects with God in a special inner sanctum.
We are all priests in Christ, but we make no blood sacrifices for sins, and we in no way ascend to the role of high priest.
Respond in daily life
And it is our responsibility to know the law, live it, and teach it, share it, and show it to people. We minister to the needs of God and God's people, and we learn the law and find ways to share it and teach it for our Lord.
Just imagine what effect that would have on local churches across the country, maybe where you worship, if everyone set out to those same three goals and to do it together, serving our God as his appointed priests.
Take the idea with you.
- 01Where do I see the problem or opportunity described in “His Appointed Priests: What Service to God Requires” in my own life?
- 02What Scripture or spiritual principle in this study most needs my attention?
- 03What one specific change can I make this week to put this teaching into practice?
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