How can we apply the concept of "priesthood as a gift" today? The Verse at the Center “Only you and your sons may serve as priests in everything at the altar and within the veil, and you are to perform the service. I am giving you the priesthood as a gift.” — Numbers 18:7 What “Priesthood as a Gift” Meant Then • A divinely bestowed privilege, not self-chosen • A unique access point between God’s holiness and Israel’s daily life • A sacred responsibility to offer sacrifices, bless the people, and teach the statutes (Deuteronomy 33:10) Christ, the Perfect Fulfillment • “We have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God” (Hebrews 4:14) • His once-for-all sacrifice opened permanent access: “Through the blood of Jesus… let us draw near” (Hebrews 10:19-22) • He “loved us and released us from our sins … and made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father” (Revelation 1:5-6) Believers Share the Gift Today • “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9) • The gift now rests on every redeemed person—not as a mere title, but as an everyday calling Living the Gift in Everyday Life Access and Worship • Enjoy unrestricted, reverent approach to the Father (Hebrews 4:16) • Cultivate private and corporate worship that centers on Christ’s finished work Intercession • Carry family, church, and nation before God just as Aaron bore Israel’s names on his breastplate (Exodus 28:29) • Pray Scripture over others, trusting Christ’s intercession alongside ours (Romans 8:34) Sacrificial Service • Offer “living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1) • Volunteer time, resources, and skills for kingdom work, reflecting Old-Testament priests who labored for the sanctuary Teaching and Blessing • Share biblical truth accurately (2 Timothy 2:15) • Speak blessing and encouragement; Israel heard “The LORD bless you and keep you” (Numbers 6:24-26), and our words can echo that benediction today Holiness and Example • Guard moral purity: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16) • Maintain distinctiveness in speech, entertainment choices, and relationships, pointing others to God’s character Spiritual Discernment • Distinguish between the clean and the unclean morally (Leviticus 10:10) • Evaluate cultural messages, hobbies, and business practices by Scripture, then guide others lovingly toward obedience Stewardship of God’s House • Support and build up the local church, the present-day “temple” of living stones (1 Peter 2:5) • Give financially and serve practically to keep gospel ministry strong Closing Perspective The priesthood remains God’s gracious gift—first to Aaron, fulfilled in Christ, and now entrusted to every believer. Treasuring the gift means exercising it daily: drawing near, interceding, serving, teaching, walking in holiness, discerning truth, and stewarding God’s house until the Great High Priest appears. |
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