Jim begins by emphasizing the importance of looking to the Lord and entering His presence with gratitude, especially through Jesus Christ, our Savior. He shares that God’s desire for each believer is to recognize their priestly calling, rooted in scriptures like Exodus 19:6, 1 Peter 2:9, and Revelation 1:5-6, which depict believers as a royal priesthood and a holy nation. Jim highlights that all Christians are called to be priests, a truth recovered historically through figures like Luther and the brethren, who understood the priesthood of all believers. He stresses that this priesthood is not merely a function but a life practice, a continuous exercise of our vocation, which involves acts done willingly and regularly. Jim warns against neglecting this calling, which can lead to spiritual sickness or nominal Christianity. He explains that our priestly activity begins within the veil, at the place of atonement and reconciliation through Christ’s sacrifice, and involves maintaining our relationship with God through practices like reading and meditating on the Word, responding to its light, and walking in the Spirit. He emphasizes the significance of the temple symbols—lampstand, showbread, and altar of incense—as representations of our walk with God, fellowship, and worship. Jim concludes with a prayer for God’s grace to practice these priestly duties, urging believers to keep their relationship with God vibrant and alive through daily practice and devotion.
6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
9 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:
5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.