A Biblical Definition of Our Priesthood
If you are like me, one of the blessings of having and listening to teaching pastors, is that the content and nourishment that they provide through the anointing of the Holy Spirit, becomes almost a daily feast.
Last Sunday, Pastor Matt Stokes began a series of teachings on the Book of Revelation. One of the things he said was that we are called, set aside, to minister as priests. He took this reference from Revelation Chapter 1 and the following verses:
...and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood—and He made us into a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Then he took a few moments to distinguish the difference between a priest and a prophet. A priest brings the people of God to God, and a prophet brings the word of God to the people of God.
And today while I was reading Hebrews 5, I suddenly saw a Biblical description of the ministry of a priest. This prompted me to write this post as offering some insight as to what kind of ministry you and I as believers might have. Please look with me at these verses from Hebrews 5:1-4:
For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of people in things pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins; he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is clothed in weakness; and because of it he is obligated to offer sacrifices for sins for himself, as well as for the people. And no one takes the honor for himself, but receives it when he is called by God, just as Aaron also was.
Now I know that this particular portion of scripture is a direct reference to the office and ministry of the high priest, like Aaron, and his descendants. But the description of the calling and ministry may be applied to those whom have been made priests by Jesus (Lord willing in another post we’ll look at Jesus the perfect High Priest and His unique role that relates to you and me.)
Therefore, let us examine verses 2 through 4. 2 he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is clothed in weakness; 3 and because of it he is obligated to offer sacrifices for sins for himself, as well as for the people. 4 And no one takes the honor for himself, but receives it when he is called by God, just as Aaron also was.
I deeply believe that you and I are called to minister like a priest, and we are to bring people, believers, and unbelievers to God. No, we are not to offer gifts and sacrifices like the High Priest, for our redemption and forgiveness has already been purchased by our High Priest Jesus. But we are definitely called to tell others of what Jesus’ sacrifice and perfect obedience has accomplished for all who will receive Him as Savior.
There is something else in these verses that needs to be highlighted also. We are to deal gently with the ignorant and misguided. NOW, please do not stumble over these words. To be ignorant, or uniformed, or to have misconceptions is not sinful, but human. And when people come to you and me with questions or concerns, HANDLE THEM GENTLY! And of course, the obvious reason to have a caring heart, is because like Aaron and every High Priest after him have been clothed in weakness, so are we. But our weaknesses should never be a disqualification to prevent you and me from bringing people to God. In fact, our weakness should instead be a cause for seeking God more and understanding that just as we have been forgiven and redeemed, we may offer to others the same glorious salvation through Jesus.
I am convinced that all of us know people and will eventually meet others who need to be brought to God. And remember this word of encouragement from Paul; 2 Corinthians 12:9
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Even today, dear brother and sisters, begin or continue your priesthood ministry.
Blessings and Prayers,
Pastor Gene
Last Sunday, Pastor Matt Stokes began a series of teachings on the Book of Revelation. One of the things he said was that we are called, set aside, to minister as priests. He took this reference from Revelation Chapter 1 and the following verses:
...and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood—and He made us into a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Then he took a few moments to distinguish the difference between a priest and a prophet. A priest brings the people of God to God, and a prophet brings the word of God to the people of God.
And today while I was reading Hebrews 5, I suddenly saw a Biblical description of the ministry of a priest. This prompted me to write this post as offering some insight as to what kind of ministry you and I as believers might have. Please look with me at these verses from Hebrews 5:1-4:
For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of people in things pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins; he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is clothed in weakness; and because of it he is obligated to offer sacrifices for sins for himself, as well as for the people. And no one takes the honor for himself, but receives it when he is called by God, just as Aaron also was.
Now I know that this particular portion of scripture is a direct reference to the office and ministry of the high priest, like Aaron, and his descendants. But the description of the calling and ministry may be applied to those whom have been made priests by Jesus (Lord willing in another post we’ll look at Jesus the perfect High Priest and His unique role that relates to you and me.)
Therefore, let us examine verses 2 through 4. 2 he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is clothed in weakness; 3 and because of it he is obligated to offer sacrifices for sins for himself, as well as for the people. 4 And no one takes the honor for himself, but receives it when he is called by God, just as Aaron also was.
I deeply believe that you and I are called to minister like a priest, and we are to bring people, believers, and unbelievers to God. No, we are not to offer gifts and sacrifices like the High Priest, for our redemption and forgiveness has already been purchased by our High Priest Jesus. But we are definitely called to tell others of what Jesus’ sacrifice and perfect obedience has accomplished for all who will receive Him as Savior.
There is something else in these verses that needs to be highlighted also. We are to deal gently with the ignorant and misguided. NOW, please do not stumble over these words. To be ignorant, or uniformed, or to have misconceptions is not sinful, but human. And when people come to you and me with questions or concerns, HANDLE THEM GENTLY! And of course, the obvious reason to have a caring heart, is because like Aaron and every High Priest after him have been clothed in weakness, so are we. But our weaknesses should never be a disqualification to prevent you and me from bringing people to God. In fact, our weakness should instead be a cause for seeking God more and understanding that just as we have been forgiven and redeemed, we may offer to others the same glorious salvation through Jesus.
I am convinced that all of us know people and will eventually meet others who need to be brought to God. And remember this word of encouragement from Paul; 2 Corinthians 12:9
And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
Even today, dear brother and sisters, begin or continue your priesthood ministry.
Blessings and Prayers,
Pastor Gene
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1 Comment
Loved your message Pastor Gene. Your expressed mercy . Diana Di Angelis