A Kingdom and Priests
Scripture Reading — Revelation 1:4-7
[Jesus Christ] has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
Jesus now sits at the right hand of God the Father in heaven. Jesus is “the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth.” Jesus oversees his kingdom on earth, as it is in heaven.
It is Jesus who loves us and frees us. It is Jesus who tells us that the kingdom of heaven is near. It is Jesus who tells us it is here! And it is Jesus who gives us the kingdom and makes us priests within it.
What is a priest? A priest is a mediator between others and God. Priests live between God and humanity: representing God to humanity, and representing humanity to God. That is our role in the kingdom here on earth. We are go-betweens who can introduce other people to God and help them grow in their relationship with God.
Let’s close with this prayer that Jesus, our Mediator, taught us, and think about how we can share Jesus with others.
Our Father in heaven, worthy and holy is your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day what we need for today. Forgive us our faults and sins, as we forgive those of others. Let us not stray from you, but keep us from temptations and all the deceptions of the evil one. For yours is the kingdom, on earth and in heaven, and yours is the power and the glory forever. Amen!
About the author — Dale Melenberg
Dale Melenberg is a second-career pastor. He received a theology degree through Calvin Theological Seminary and a doctorate of ministry degree at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is married to Gloria, and together they have raised three sons and are enjoying their four grandchildren. Growing up in an immigrant community shaped Dale’s view of family, church, and community in a profound way that continues to inform his life-view toward kingdom living with God, neighbors, and the creation.
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