YOUR PRIESTLY ROLE 

Today I want to remind you about your priestly role. Did you know that whatever your role in society, in ministry, work, family or business capacity or status, God’s design for you and I is that we serve bless others.  Moreover, it is through service to others that we earn a living. God chose Abraham (12:2,3) and later the nation of Israel (Exodus 19:5,6) so that through the individual (Abraham) and through the nation (Israel) other families and peoples would be blessed. I focus on the priestly role of the individual, you and I and how God intends to touch and minister to our families, friends, workmates and followers. We learn from the nature of the priestly clothing in Exodus. These have profound meaning about the priestly role, not only of leaders of the church but every Christian as a disciple of Jesus Christ our High Priest (Hebrew 7:26; 9:11). 

Reading 1 Exodus 28:11,12 (NLT)

11 Engrave these names on the two stones in the same way a jeweler engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in settings of gold filigree. 12 Fasten the two stones on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod as a reminder that Aaron represents the people of Israel. Aaron will carry these names on his shoulders as a constant reminder whenever he goes before the Lord. 

Reading 2 Exodus 28:29,30(NLT)

29 “In this way, Aaron will carry the names of the tribes of Israel on the sacred chestpiece over his heart when he goes into the Holy Place. This will be a continual reminder that he represents the people when he comes before the Lord. 30 Insert the Urim and Thummim into the sacred chestpiece so they will be carried over Aaron’s heart when he goes into the Lord’s presence. In this way, Aaron will always carry over his heart the objects used to determine the Lord’s will for his people whenever he goes in before the Lord.

God gave instructions to Moses about worship, sacrifices and in these scriptures, about the priests, their ministry to the people with very specific and detailed instructions on how they were to dress and why. Each piece of tunic or material had meaning and implications for the priestly role. I explain three points and remind you, as a Christian, that you are part of the royal priesthood and have a priestly role regardless of your position or standing in the church (1 Peter 2:9).  

          i.            Burden carrier— priest carries the burden, the weight of the people upon his shoulder before God v8

        ii.            Carer of hearts—to have a Heart of care, affection, stewardship and gratitude—as he carries the people in is heart before God v29

      iii.            Be holy before a holy God –v36, 42—whether it is the symbolism of the gold medallion, covering on the head or the undergarments, Aaron and the priests had to consecrate themselves to come before a holy God.

Thanks be to God that Christ the High priest laid down His life so that we can boldly approach the throne of God in the Holy Place with confidence. Friend, you are a royal priest, chosen of God to represent Him and present others before Him in His service.

Lord, I thank you for the completed work at the cross. Help me to serve you as apart of the royal priesthood before you the Most High God.

Melphon Mayaka