Corona Devo 659

The definition of a priest has not changed much in a couple thousand years. When Paul wrote the book of Hebrews, he said "Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. (2) He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness."(Hebrews 5:1-2). That was true of a priest then, and that is true of a priest now.

The duties of a priest have not changed much in a couple thousand years either: Paul is still correct in saying that "Every high priest...is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. (2) He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness." (Hebrews 5:1-2).

Hebrews 5 was building up from Aaron (Moses' brother) being called by God (and the people) to be a priest, and the priestly line progressed into Jesus being called by God to be our High Priest, and the definition and duties of "priest" were fulfilled by both Aaron and (of course) then Christ.

The transitional piece about "being a priest" that has changed is not the definition or the duties, but the "who". This title, once reserved for the holiest of men, has been bestowed upon us.

No, really--it's true.

For any of us, and especially those with a Catholic-background, it may seem impossible/sacrilegious/improper to place ourselves in the "role" of a priest...but God has.

Jesus is and will-always-be our Great High Priest, and he (perfectly) fits the definition and duties Paul provided in Hebrews: "... appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. (2) He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. (Hebrews 5:1-2).

Indeed, Jesus did/does represent us (to God) in matters related to God, and Jesus did offer Himself as the ultimate gift and sacrifice for (our) sins. And as we have experienced our entire lives (whether aware of it or not), Jesus is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray (us!...And those that have not yet come to know Him), since he himself is subject to weakness. (Hebrews 5:1-2).

(And just to clarify--Jesus was subject to weakness (sin)---because He was born a man, (even though He is God), but unlike us, He never fell to sin, as we do.

And certainly, (as we are blessed to experience daily), He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. (Hebrews 5:1-2). This refers to those that are "lost", but it definitely refers to me and you too. How grateful we are for the daily ways that our High Priest deals gently with us who are ignorant (to his plans, or because-of-our-pride, etc.), and when we have gone astray from Him.

We know this about Jesus, our High Priest, but can we, (Will we?) accept the definition and duties of "priest" in pertaining to ourselves? Do we know that God has called us to serve Him (by serving others) as royal priests? The definition and duties now apply to us as well:

But you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.  (10) Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.  ~I Peter 2:9-10

It's a bit intimidating. Definitely humbling. But it's also a clear calling and title that God has placed on (us) His people:

And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.  ~1 Peter 2:5

The apostle Peter explains it to us (and reiterates the title and calling that we have): I am writing to God’s chosen people…  (2) God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.  Grace to you and peace be multiplied.  ~I Peter 1:1-2 

Like it or not, here we go.

We are God’s chosen people…  (I Peter 1:1)

God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and his Spirit has made you holy. (I Peter 1:2)

Even us.

And He knew and chose us long ago.

Before we deserved it, because we never will.

Before we knew Him.

Before we had any awareness of Him--He knew and chose us and his Spirit has made you holy. (I Peter 1:2).

I love the God we serve, most especially because we don't deserve! And (even so) He has ordained us into holy roles.

Today, may we absorb the definition and the duties of being a "priest" in God's name, and may we do our best to understand and honor Him in this role we've been called to by our (ultimate) High Priest.

Grace to you and peace be multiplied.  ~I Peter 1:2

Blessings, 

sarah

https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com