The Nature Of Our Priesthood
Today's Word of Encouragement from Wayne:
"I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God, to be a minister of Jesus Christ to the gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God"
Romans 15:15-16
For the past two days we have been considering Paul’s exhortation to the church at Rome concerning "ministering as a priest the gospel of God," specifically how "Ministering as a priest" enhances our understanding of preaching the gospel. When we minister "as a priest" this means that not only is the message of the gospel important, but so also is the presentation and nature of the one speaking the gospel important. It’s about the message and the messenger.
Yesterday I shared that a priest is a mediator. Even as Christ our High Priest is our mediator, reconciling us with God our Father, so also is a faithful priest a loving mediator between God and mankind, desiring with everything in oneself to see that "God and man at table are sat down" in eternal life and fellowship. Here are some other qualities mentioned of Jesus Christ, as our High Priest, qualities that are birthed in us as well, as a kingdom of priests to our God (Revelation 1:6). The author of Hebrews wrote "holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession" (Hebrews 3:1).
He then went on to describe Christ, our High Priest, in these terms: He is "Merciful" (2:17), He does "sympathize with our weaknesses" (4:5), "he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided" (5:2), and even "Jesus" Who "holds His priesthood permanently... always lives to make intercession for them" (7:24-25). The revelation and understanding of Jesus Christ as our High Priest, along with His divine disposition towards us, changes us forever in how we see Him and how we see people in this world. Determine to minister "as a priest the gospel of God."
Your fellowship with Christ your High Priest will increase in a most blessed way, and your effectiveness as a minister of Christ will increase correspondingly. Hallelujah!
