Have you ever come across a scripture that just doesn’t seem to go away? I’m talking about the kind of verse that just bounces back in forth in your head. In my experience, that happens until I finally see what God wants me to see about the message contained in that scripture. Then when I “get it” it usually goes away. Here is one that flew off the page at me last week and stayed in my face. It is from the amazing first letter of Peter.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)
That verse is talking about us; the Christians. And Peter tells us that we are a royal priesthood. What a strange thing to say, until one really meditates upon it and sees the picture of what we are.
What do you think of when I mention royalty? Think about the person who comes to mind. Maybe it is Lady Diana or Prince Charles. Maybe you see someone like Grace Kelly of Monaco, or Queen Elizabeth II. Maybe it’s Peter the Great or James Earl Jones in the movie “Coming to America”. Either way, there are some things that all these royals have in common.
1. They act like royalty. They have a demeanor and air about them which usually is one of class, dignity, wisdom, and respect. They know who they are, and present themselves in a way that is becoming of someone of excellent blood.
2. They have authority. When I was in London one time, the light suddenly turned red and we came to a screeching halt. The queen’s limo came by. Royals have special privileges and respect because of the position they are in. Did they earn it? NO! They inherited it from their father the king.
3. They use power to accomplish what needs to be done in order to make their kingdom safe, secure, prosperous, and thriving. The welfare of their constituency is paramount. Now what do you think of when I say priesthood. Do visions of someone who is set apart for spiritual purposes come to mind? Is it a person who knows the word, is “prayed up”, a great counselor, and man of God? If you are thinking about some scandalous pastor or priest, it is because you probably had exposure to someone who didn’t fulfill the calling that would make them a royal priest.
Maybe it is time for us to start acting like what we truly are; what God has ordained us to become. When we understand what it means to be a “royal priesthood”, we will act with the dignity, authority, and power of a royal. And we will show ourselves to be the strong, educated, spiritual leaders we should be.
SELF EXAMINATION TIME!
Do I act like a king/queen or a common peasant?
Do I accomplish good things with authority or do I rabble rouse and complain with the Plebeians?
Do I accomplish good things with authority or do I rabble rouse and complain with the Plebeians?
God calls you royalty. God calls you a priest. Be what you are.
“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away”. 1 Peter 5:4 (NIV)
"I'm on my way; I'll be there soon. Keep a tight grip on what you have so no one distracts you and steals your crown.” Revelation 3:11 (The Message)
Good post.
ReplyDeleteExcellent message!!!!!!!! God has truly given you revelation. thank-You. Sal
ReplyDeleteExcellent message!!!!!!!! God has truly given you revelation. thank-You. Sal
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words Sal.
ReplyDeleteRuth 2:12
I think this is a pretty good message, but to tell you the truth, Jesus is King of Kings, and He was even while on earth. However, He was born of a middle-class family, and He lived a pretty nomadic (in a sense), middle-class lifestyle. He is King, yet He hung out with all of the criminals and scum of the world. He acted more like a commoner than a King, He came into Jerusalem on a donkey, when He could have come on a splendid white horse adorned with all types of gold ornaments. What I got from this message is that we should act like royalty, even though we're supposed to follow Jesus' example. Therefore, I will act like a humble prince of God, aware of my position, but living like everyone else, and treating everyone with the same love that Jesus did.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you all. :)
-Jake
Good thoughts Jake. But I hope you aren't serious about "living like everyone else". Look around. We are to be a peculiar people. (1 Peter 2:9) Remember that broad is the way that leads to destruction and many go that way. To say that Jesus lived like everyone else is inaccurate. See my post on "Was Jesus a Loser".
ReplyDeleteLove the thoughts. Keep 'em coming.
We are sinners saved by grace, and as such are welcomed into the family of Christ, making us children of the King (princes and princesses). We are to be set apart from the world and an example to it. However, we can minister to those who no one else will. To follow Jesus example, he ministered to thieves, prostitutes, and lepers...yet he DID NOT live like them. Thats the wonder of Jesus, that He was in the world, yet set apart. If we are to be truly Christ-like, we must follow this model.
ReplyDeleteStuart
I'm most certainly not saying to live a sinful life. However, I'm also not saying that we should live as kings, queens, princes, or princesses while on earth as it tends to lead to arrogance. Yes, we can acknowledge that we're royalty, but I think we shouldn't flaunt it everywhere we go. What we SHOULD flaunt, is the grace of God which is what ALLOWS us to be royalty. :)
ReplyDelete-Jake
I totally agree Jake.
ReplyDeleteA lesson for Sunday School brought me to this also about the Triumphal Entry and Jesus as King. I don't want my students to think of them selves as better than others because this really hurts when your to good to sit beside someone and try to show your "light" Jesus entered and also wept Luke ch19 vs. 41 Jesus is the king of kings and the lord of lords and I don't think you are not saying this in till you feel the spirit what he's trying to teach you because he knew royalty is serving one another like when Jesus washes his disciples' feet in John Ch. 13&14 we are royalty so I got the children crowns to wear because Jesus wants us to become royalty by being humble and knowing we are all to let others know we are only greater because we become like Jesus and understand we must have his heart inside us do you have any other ideas on how to explain this better Amen to what you wrote
ReplyDelete