We are Little Priests

As you get older, do you find that you are your parent? You catch yourself saying something one of your parents would have said and responding the way they would have to a situation. You gain a greater understanding and appreciation for your parents. It’s that way with Christ. Over time, we should catch ourselves behaving and responding the way He would, because we are so used to walking with Him. In fact, I’m convinced that the key verses in 1 Peter are these: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (1 Pet. 1:15-16)

We saw earlier from chapter 2 that Jesus was a big stone, and we are little stones, just like Him. Jesus was the big temple, we are growing up together as Christians into a temple (as well as being individual temples of the Holy Spirit). As little Christs (Christians), we mimic Him in other ways too.

Remember that Jesus was a priest. Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; (Heb 3:1; see also Heb. 4:15; 6:19-20).

As our high priest, he was able to go into the Holy of Holies and offer the sacrifice for our sins. He was the sacrifice for our sins. And now He lives to make intercession for us as our High Priest in heaven, seated at the right hand of God.

That’s Jesus. Now what about us? It says two times in 1 Peter 2 that we are priests. Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ…. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (1 Pet. 2:5, 9)

What does a priest do? Our first verse says a priest offers up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. This begs the question, what kind of acceptable sacrifices do we offer up?

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Rom. 12:1)

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.  But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. (Heb. 13:15-16)

Another thing a priest does, and Jesus did and does as our high priest, is to intercede to the father for us. But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.  Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. (Heb. 7:24-25) Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. (Rom. 8:34)

Now let’s jump together. We’re left on earth as Christians to be priests through whom Jesus operates, because remember our earlier verse says of us… an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

We are to intercede for others. It’s part of our priesthood duties. I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; (1 Tim. 2:1)

I think it’s interesting that God has chosen to work this way. Jesus is in heaven making intercession for us, and we are on earth making intercession for others. One thing I know from reading to the end of the Bible, God takes intercessory prayers seriously. It’s a duty of ours that He prescribed, and He doesn’t forget. And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.  And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. (Rev. 8:3-4) Notice the altar, the golden censer and the smoke of the incense. Those are all part of the Old Testament priestly scene, and the smoke of the incense way back then pictured the prayers of the saints, which will be effectual in the future. It’s all something to think about. But for now, it appears that our intercessory prayers are to be a vital part of our Christian lives, and once again, our life isn’t just about us. What kind of priest are you?