I suspect we don’t always realise exactly how great this saving act of Jesus was.
Yet the impact of this miracle act of Jesus is not limited to the salvation of sins. As a result of it, we are incorporated into a new group. We become part of the royal priesthood.
Now what does that mean? We know what the word “royal” means if we know something about the British royal family. William and Harry are the two sons of Charles and Diana. They are princes and, therefore, they have certain advantages. But they also have certain roles to perform in the royal household and, yes, if they cross the lines even a little, the tabloids are full of it.
People expect them to act like royalty. They must take the lead so that the rest of the people can follow. When they were born into the royal family, this responsibility package automatically came with it.
When we accepted Jesus as our Savior, we also became part of a royal family. We are the family of God, the King of the world. Many benefits accompany it, such as living forever.
Along with the package also comes many responsibilities, the most important of which is that we have to live like royalty. We must live like princes and princesses, children of the Almighty God.
We must live like royal priests. In the Old Testament, the priests were chosen by God with one purpose: To be His representative, His counsel. The priest’s job was to serve God with everything.
They offered the sacrifices brought by the people to God. They taught the people about God and showed them to live within the will of God. They had to bless the people of God, but also take a stand and show the people when they were on the wrong path.
It’s simple. Now it’s easy to understand who we are. We are royalty, because we are born into the family of God, the King. We automatically receive the status of prince or princess and, therefore, we must act accordingly. It’s non-negotiable.
We must fulfill the role of the priests of old. We must serve God. Yes, we may not all work in a temple or a church, but we must serve God wherever we work, live and play.
We must tell people about our Father and our brother, Jesus. Our lives must be a living sacrifice, but it is not so easy to be a sacrificial lamb and give everything to God. Still, we should try to use every opportunity we can to bless others and sometimes show them the right path when they go astray.
We are royal priests. Let’s pick up the package and go live accordingly.
Scripture
1 Peter 2:9-12
Reflection
What does your status as royalty mean?
What does your status as a priest mean?
How can you live it today?
Prayer
Father, this new status is almost too much for me. I may believe it, but living it is not always so easy. Please help me fill my role with responsibility. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
