Prophet, Priest, and King
Scripture Reading — Matthew 28:16-20
Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
The 16th-century Reformers weren’t only interested in clearing up some muddled theology and challenging some questionable church practices. They were also eager to discern how followers of Christ alone should live out the truth of Scripture each day. So they asked, “How then shall we live?”
By declaring Christ alone as Savior, we find the answer in him: we must look to Jesus’ example. As the Heidelberg Catechism, a confession from the Reformation period, states, Jesus Christ is “our chief prophet . . . our only high priest . . . and our eternal king.”
As Prophet, Jesus speaks the truth we need to know. As Priest, his sacrifice has accomplished our deliverance from sin and death, and he now intercedes for us always. As King, Jesus governs us through his Word and by the Holy Spirit.
As Jesus’ followers, we are now his hands and feet in this world, called to continue his work on his behalf. As prophets, we speak God’s truth to the world. As priests, we pray for the needs of our world. As ambassadors of the King, we point the way to him and work as citizens in building the kingdom of God.
Solus Christus: “Christ alone.” How will you speak, pray, and work like Jesus today?
Be present in my life today, Lord Jesus. Help me to speak your truth, pray continually, and work to make this world more like your kingdom. Amen.
About the author — Kurt Selles
Kurt Selles is the director of ReFrame Ministries and serves as the Executive Editor of Today. He is a graduate of Calvin College and Seminary, and received his PhD from Vanderbilt University. Before coming to ReFrame, he served 19 years in Taiwan and China with CRC World Missions. Kurt later taught missions at Beeson Divinity School, where he also acted as the director of the school’s Global Center. Kurt and his wife, Vicki, reside in Grand Rapids and have three adult children.
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