Celebrate!Sample

Kingdom Priests—Part 2 Israel was delivered from Egypt, God’s original plan was that all the nation would be a priesthood. The sad fact is that because of sin only one tribe—Levi—finally became the priestly people (Exodus 32). God’s desire to free an entire nation to be priestly ministers to the whole world was never realized (Ex. 19:5–7). However, in Christ and under the new covenant, this objective is within the scope of fulfillment. Peter writes, “You are … a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 2:5). These words provide one of the most foundational points of focus for kingdom living. As kingdom people we are called to be a “kingdom of priests,” fulfilling the mission ancient Israel never realized. How? First, by glorifying the Lord through our sacrifices of worship, welcoming His presence with power into our present world scene. Second, by our obedient lives of purity before Him, demonstrating the joy and liberty God’s way affords. And third, as the priests ministered healing under the Old Testament covenant, we minister Christ’s wholeness to our world today. Worshiping priests of the New Testament are mighty instruments of kingdom expansion.