In Peter’s first epistle, the apostle points out we are a chosen people, set apart to do the work of Christ (1 Peter 2:9). There’s something else tucked into that verse that doesn’t get a lot of attention. Peter states that believers in Christ become part of a royal priesthood. When was the last time you looked in the mirror and reminded yourself that you are a priest?
If you are like me, the word priest conjures up either a monk from the Middle Ages or a man wearing a black robe in a Catholic church. Neither image is compelling to me. When we look at the role of a Biblical priest, however, and realize we are to carry out similar duties, things get exciting.
The Old Testament priest offered physical sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people (Leviticus 1-7). As priests of the royal priesthood, we offer spiritual sacrifices (Romans 12:1). We sacrifice our lives to Christ by surrendering everything to His will. Like Paul, we are crucified with Christ, and we no longer live (Galatians 2:19-20). The old man is dead and we are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Sacrificing our dreams and desires is a privilege because we love Jesus more than we love our lives.
Just as Moses offered prayers of intercession for the people of Israel (Exodus 32:31-32; Numbers 14:11-19), we are called to pray on behalf of others (1 Timothy 2:1-6). It’s our job to stand in the gap for people otherwise barreling headlong into Hell. As part of the royal priesthood, we must pray for our leaders (those we like and those we don’t), our families, the needs of others, and all those far from God. If we don’t pray for them, who will?
The priesthood has long been responsible for teaching God’s truth to the masses. Moses gave the Levitical priesthood the responsibility of teaching the Israelites about God (Deuteronomy 33:10). Malachi tells us the priest is to guard the knowledge of God for the purpose of sharing it with the people (Malachi 2:7). As Jesus followers, the Lord sends us into the world to spread His gospel (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). Sharing the good news of Jesus is the primary purpose of our mission on earth.
Priests of the Levitical order were responsible for serving and ministering to others (Numbers 8:19). While we no longer serve in the temple, we are to be devoted to the service of God’s people (1 Peter 4:10-11). God gives us unique gifts, so we all have different ways of ministering to others (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
We are a royal priesthood and must take that assignment as seriously as did the Old Testament priests. It is we who pray to intercede for people who don’t know Christ. It is our duty to teach the scripture to younger and less mature believers. What a privilege we have to be set apart to minister to the needs of others. But none of this will be possible unless we first destroy every vestige of desiring the things of this world (1 John 2:15). Everything begins when we surrender our life to Christ. Every genuine follower of Jesus who bows to Him as Lord is part of this royal priesthood. The responsibility is great, but the rewards for service are eternal and beyond comprehension (Matthew 25:21; 1 Corinthians 2:9).