TOPIC: A PRIESTLY KINGDOM, A HOLY NATION
Bible Text: Exodus 19:1-8
“Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant… you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation…” Exodus 19:5-6, NIV
MESSAGE
God instituted priesthood through the tribe of Levi, and used the priests to make peace between Himself and the Israelites. Their job was to stand before God on behalf of the people to plead for their sins by offering the required sacrifice.
They were also to teach the Israelites the ways of God. Without priests, the Lord would not be able to relate with His people and the people will not gain access to God.
Our passage today reveals the plan of God to make all the children of Israel a kingdom of priests and holy nation. However, this exceptional plan is conditional. The condition is that they must fully obey and keep God’s covenant. In response, the Israelites promised to do all that God requires of them.
Every believer in Christ is a priest who can approach God freely without an intermediary, pray to God and intercede for others. It is ignorance that makes some believers pay self-acclaimed prophets to consult God for them. But to serve effectively as a priest of God, you must be holy, for God is holy and sin will contaminate your priestly garment and render you useless. Are you holy enough to approach God’s presence? Consecrate yourself today.
Insight: Only holy priests can get God’s affection and attention.
Prayer: O Lord, help me and other believers to live and serve you as priests in holiness.
RBT Passage: Obadiah 1