A Royal Priesthood

     Today I'm going to be looking at the New Testament as well because I think it's important that we remember the Bible is a whole book and that scripture in one place can help teach and expound upon scripture in another area.  As I read through Leviticus and Numbers I am astounded by the strict adherence that God requires of the priests and His people in regards to the tabernacle, sacrifice, and cleanliness.  It is extremely evident that God is a holy God and wants that His people be holy in the same way He is holy (Leviticus 11:44).  There are also some very serious punishments for those that fail to meet or respect the statutes that God has set up.  Many Israelites and even priests are sentenced to death for not exercising obedience to God's laws.  Now all this sounds pretty drastic but I think that God is trying to demonstrate to us the seriousness with which He views sin and I think we would do well to view sin in the same manner in which God does.  God placed a large responsibility on the Levites (priests) in regards to allowing them to conduct the business of the tabernacle and they were the intercessors between God and the people.  No one else could approach or intercede before the Lord, only the Levites.

     Now after Christ's death on the cross a beautiful thing happens.  The veil of the temple is torn and now all believers are welcomed into the presence of God.  1 Peter 2:9 says that we are now a royal priesthood.  We were saved by God for the sole purpose of serving Him as priests and proclaiming His excellencies and His glory.  What a huge responsibility and honor!  Given the seriousness with which God viewed the priests in the Old Testament I think we, as believers, should take our new responsibility as a "royal priesthood" with extreme seriousness.  God has saved us and entrusted us with the responsibility of priesthood.  What does priesthood mean and look like for us today?  Well as priests we are to exemplify God to those around us.  We are to represent God.  One quote I'm reminded of is that "you may be the only Bible some people ever read" and therefore we should make every effort to ensure that our lives, as royal priests, are a reflection of God's glory to those around us, especially those that may not know Him.