What does it mean to be 'A Royal Priesthood'?
Every year the Awaken Generation school has a theme focus and this year, the Lord highlighted A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD (1 Peter 2:9) We are believing for a generation of worshippers who will step boldly into their roles as priests in the church and marketplace.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.
1 Peter 2:9
These words that apostle Peter wrote weren't to a people gathered in one place. Neither were they to one cultural group, but to both Jews and Gentiles scattered across Asia Minor (1 Peter 1:1). They were experiencing difficult circumstances as Emperor Nero ramped up persecution of Christians across the empire.
And so, Peter's statement to believers, scattered and suffering, that they are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession” is a powerful declaration of belonging and authority. What encouragement!
And we share in this same proclamation. As a ministry, we are asking God for revelation about being 'a royal priesthood' as our school theme for 2023. You can hear more of our reflections on our podcast, but here are some thoughts!
We may often think of priests as men in clergy robes, appointed to lead the church in an official capacity. But the apostle Peter says this to all believers. We are all part of the royal priesthood. It isn't a role reserved only for those in full time ministry.
Truth is, It doesn't always feel 'priestly' as we stand on the crowded train to the office every morning, or roll out of bed for school while the sky is still dark. But the role of the priest is simply this:
1. We minister to the presence of God everywhere we go
2. We create a context for people to encounter God
Wow. What if believers see our places of work or study as holy ground, minister to the presence of God and are attuned to His Spirit as we make decisions on what to do or say? Wouldn’t there be a new spirit of excellence and of declaration of the glory of God through our lives?
Work could move from being ‘the thing I do for money’, to worship. There is new purpose, new fulfillment even in the simple, mundane things. Our workplaces and schools become altars of worship to the Lord.
...to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.
1 Peter 2:9
We have been given the mercies of God to be a royal priesthood, not for reputation or fame but to declare who God is! Perhaps being priestly is to simply give glory to Him, remember what He has done, calling us out from the kingdom of darkness into His light.
And so, we create this context for people to encounter God by proclaiming & demonstrating the virtues of God! The apostle Paul says this in Romans 10: 14
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
Let our colleagues, teachers, classmates see the virtues of God through us. Not just in our work excellence, but let them hear the testimonies and breakthroughs that we have encountered. Let them hear the good news of Jesus from our very lips.
Lord, make us your royal priesthood. Help us not stand afar, at a distance, relinquishing this call to others we think are ‘more suitable’. Lord, You call us to yourself. Let us be a generation who would step boldly into our role as priests everywhere we are placed, so that You may be proclaimed in all areas of life, not just within the church. Amen.