Unshaken | Be the Man God Made You to Be: Your Identity in ChristChikamu

Day 2: You are a Royal Priesthood

In Bible times, the Tribe of Levi, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, had the unique role of serving as priests. These priests performed sacrifices and represented the people before God. One of their solemn duties was entering the Holy of Holies—this was a serious task as they needed to offer sacrifices not only for the sins of the nation but also for their own, highlighting their own unholiness.

You might think being a priest in this sense is daunting, considering the responsibility of presenting sacrifices before God. However, our priesthood in Christ is different, thanks to His perfect sacrifice. As believers, we are called to a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), tasked not with offering repeated sacrifices but with living as representatives, ambassadors of Jesus to the world.

This is a high calling indeed, but we are not left to fulfill it alone; the Holy Spirit empowers us. In the post-sacrificial era of Jesus, our role as priests is to be light and salt, modeling and proclaiming the redemption and transformation we have found in Christ.

Jesus, the ultimate and perfect Priest with His Sacrifice, models for us a confrontational message that challenges cultural norms and personal comforts. He urges us to prioritize God's eternal purposes over our own. Whether you are a single or married man, your priestly duties involve leading by example—encouraging spiritual growth, engaging in prayer, and worship, and impacting your home and community for Christ.

The demands of society and the pressures of everyday life, where accomplishments often overshadow integrity, can make this calling feel overwhelming. You may feel inadequate or struggle to live up to this high standard. However, remember that your salvation is secure in Christ, and that your role as His ambassador is designed for your growth and joy as much as it is for His glory.

Being an ambassador of Christ means representing Him in all circumstances. God isn’t reliant on us to fulfill His plan; instead, He invites us into this role to help us mature into the likeness of Christ. This process is never about perfect performance but about growing in character and deepening our relationship with God.

If you find yourself struggling today with these responsibilities, start with honesty in prayer. Share your challenges and inadequacies with God, and let Him renew your strength and purpose. Being a priest in the order of Christ does not mean that you have to bear the weight of this world; it means that you are called to witness the Light of the World.

And take this role not as a burden but as a special privilege to live out the power of the Gospel in you.