A Royal Priest, Chosen By God.

A Royal Preisthood - Chosen

Throughout scripture there is a central theme; God chooses to create mankind and chooses to appoint man onto dominion. Everything God does, is as a result of a decision He makes. We are invited to witness and display the glory and wisdom of God as we partner with Him. He chooses to partner with us. 

Jesus puts it this way - “you did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, He may give it to you.” - John 15:16. 

Being chosen by God to do anything is a great honour! Sometimes we are so quick to run away from the call of God in our lives. It is wickedness for us to be called by such a great King and to turn our backs on Him in arrogance. When we understand the magnitude of His greatness, we will run at every opportunity for us to honour Him when He calls. 

God Chooses Your Function

The ability you have inside of you, was given to you by God.  God is the Creator and He created with a purpose. All of creation has a structure embedded into it that directly relates to its function. That function is a result of God’s sovereign will and decision. So, if God has chosen to give you a specific function, then the ability to carry it out will already be factored into your creation. Here’s an example: God decided that the functionality of a bird would be - flight, therefore He created the bird with wings.

Here’s another example, God decided He wanted mankind to be Kings on this earth, therefore He created man in His image and gave man dominion over earth. God also decided that He wanted mankind to be His priests, so He created man with the ability to offer spiritual sacrifices to Him and to host His presence. When God chooses you, He is giving you the platform to display what He already put inside of you. 

Chosen By God to Be A Priest 

When you read the old testament, namely the first five books, you realise that a priest is chosen by God. He does not appoint himself to be a priest, God appoints Him. Infact, a priest does not offer anything to God that He has not requested. Everything that the priest does, He is instructed to do. Priesthood therefore requires a heart of humility and obedience to God. Exodus 28:1 - God requested for Aaron and his sons to serve Him as priests. 

Here are a few scriptures that point to the fact that you have been chosen to be a priest to God, at least whilst you are here on this earth:

Isaiah 61:6

“But you shall be called the priests of the LORD; they shall speak of you as the ministers of our God; you shall eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory you shall boast.”

1 Peter 2:9

“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 

Our response to God’s selection of us as His priests is to simply obey and be His priests. Offering spiritual sacrifices and serving Him with our very lives; seeking to do His will and to please Him in everything. 

Considerations As Priests of God

1. God is Holy, so you must be Holy - do everything within your power to preserve this Holiness since you host His Holy Spirit. (Leviticus 19:1-2)

2. Consecration is key as a priest of God (Ref: Leviticus 7:12)

3. A priest must be able to discern what is uncommon from the common. (Ref: Leviticus 10:10)

4. A priest must be able to teach the law of God. (Ref: Leviticus 10:11)

5. A priest must listen carefully to what God instructs and must carefully obey. (Ref: Leviticus 6:8)

6. A priest must offer authorised fire to God and bring acceptable offerings.(Ref:Leviticus 10:1-2) [P.s. - your sacrifice is your very life]

7. The reward for the priest is God Himself. (Ref: Deuteronomy 18:2)

This is why Paul urges us to live a life that is worthy of our calling, a life that is holy and acceptable unto God. Since we are called to offer spiritual sacrifices, to distinguish between what is common and uncommon, to obey the instructions of God, and many more, we must be careful how we live. 

As a priest you must be set apart, different from the rest. Set aside for God. In Leviticus 10, we see that Aaron was not permitted to do what others were doing. That is the same for us, as priests of God we are not permitted by God to live like this world. Priests must always be in constant preparation for their duties because it is onto a Sovereign God. You must always be mindful of His presence in your daily living and honour Him by devoting your life to Him. 

Priesthood Requires Presence

God created man to live in His presence. The right environment for you is God. He created you out of Himself, therefore your sustenance is Him. Priesthood gives you another reason to be in His presence. Your priesthood to God brings you to Him. A priest must know how to be in the presence of God and how to host His Spirit. The beautiful thing is that whilst you stay in His presence daily, you too are being sustained by Him. He is your reward, what a gracious God! 

Summary

All of this is only possible because Jesus Christ our High Priest has offered His blood for us. This blood cleanses and consecrates us forever. Just like Aaron was consecrated for priesthood by God, we too are chosen and consecrated by God, through His Son Jesus Christ. 

What is left to offer then?

• Spiritual sacrifices acceptable unto God. The Holy Spirit reveals to us how we ought to offer these to Him. He teaches us all things! 

Why should we offer sacrifices to God?

• Asking “why should we offer things to God” is like asking why we should rule. Here’s the simple answer - you were created for it and it pleases the heart of the King. 

Romans 12:1 

“I appeal to you therefore brothers by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”