Jesus Has Made Us To Be a Kingdom of Priests

Today’s Word Of Encouragement From Wayne:

“To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood - and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father - to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen”

Revelation 1:5-6

This dedication from the apostle John, in the opening verses of the book of Revelation, clearly declares that Jesus Christ “loves us,” has “released us from our sins by His blood” and, importantly and simultaneously, “He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father!”

Jesus Christ’s love for you and His shedding His blood for you is important and indeed the heart of our faith. Wouldn’t you gratefully and joyfully agree?

So, how important do you think your being made part of and included in God's kingdom of priests is?

I say your acceptance and understanding of your priesthood is extremely important – to God, to your own life, and to this world.

In fact one could easily argue that the progression unfolded in this Scripture clearly shows us this pattern: first God loved us, then He saved us, and then this loving salvation culminated in, “He has made us,” past tense please notice, “to be a kingdom of priests.”

This is all part of God’s wonderful plan.

This is the fulfillment of the inner court priesthood of the Old Testament, that special place and special people between the “Holy of Holies,” where the actual presence of God dwelt, and the “outer court” where the sins of the people were atoned for through acts of sacrifice and cleansing.

The “inner court” priesthood is where people “ministered unto the Lord.”

These were special priests, highly favored priests, invited to be as close to God’s presence as possible (read Ezekiel, chapters 44-48).

This grace, of an inner court priesthood to our Lord, is extended to you today, and to all of God’s children in Jesus Christ.

You have already received His love and His salvation, I pray. Now receive your priesthood with equally great joy and gratitude.

Yes, this day, be a priest in God’s presence and give thanks to your Lord, Who loves you, has saved you from your sins through His New Covenant blood, and has made you to be a priest unto Him. Hallelujah!