Priests

Tuesday September 7, 2021

Priests

The chief priests also, with the scribes, mocked one another, and said, He has saved others, and he cannot save himself. Mark 15:31

The books of Exodus and Leviticus, in particular, teach us about God's mind regarding the establishment of priestly order in the people of Israel. They specify responsibilities and describe, down to the smallest detail, how to exercise them. Finally, with the same attention, they depict the clothes and ornaments with which the priests were to put on, as well as the ritual of their consecration to the priesthood. These descriptions speak to us, above all, of the vocation of priest that Christ assumed when he came to earth (Hebrews 2:17), of that which he currently exercises in favor of the Christian (Hebrews 4:14-16) and that which he will continue to exercise in the future (Hebrews 7:21).

The solemnity of the ritual and the glory of the priestly vestments, desired by God, also speak to us of the importance and the price he attached to maintaining relations with his people. Also the mockery of the priests at the foot of the cross is the most serious proof of the downfall of the priestly order. They should have been the first to welcome, love and celebrate Jesus, Son of God, the Messiah of Israel ! How to wash this outrage ? Once again, Jesus, with his shed blood, answers everything! Now whoever believes in Jesus, whether Jewish or Gentile, is washed from his sins, and Jesus makes him a priest to his God and Father (Revelation 1:5,6).

Are we aware of the dignity to which Jesus lifts us up, of the value he places on us exercising our priestly service ? You yourselves too... are built in a spiritual house - a holy priesthood - to offer spiritual sacrifices, pleasing to God through Jesus Christ... You are... a royal priesthood... so that you proclaim the virtues from him who called you out of darkness to his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:5,9).

You are : this statement must clear all uncertainty. How can we practically realize our vocation ? We love Jesus, we are aware of his love and marveled at his perfections. We appreciate what he accomplished for God his Father and for us. We enjoy the blessings he has given us forever.

From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34). Therefore, we exalt Jesus in worship services and it is our joy to speak about him for the salvation of those with us.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)