Kings and Priests

Kings and Priests
Rev 1:5-6

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.
KJV

Whether it leads to a position with secular or ecclesiastical influence, as we diligently pursue our vocational callings let’s be ever careful to remember that God’s highest calling involves both. To be sure, God has used His people as instruments of change in both civil and sacred capacities: This is perhaps best demonstrated by Zerubbabel who served as governor and Joshua who served as priest; both of whom worked cooperatively during the restoration of the second temple. Yet and still, when God sent our Lord Jesus Christ, he was not sent solely after the line of Davidic kingship or after the line of Aaronic priesthood, he was sent as a high priest after the order of Melchisedec. Scripture records of this man that as “king of Salem [he] brought forth bread and wine and he was the priest of the most High God.” Finally this man blessed the patriarch Abram declaring, “Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth.” While very little is known about Melchisedek, we are informed that his positioning as king and priest allowed him to give provision and blessing to someone in need. For it matters very little if one’s singular secular vocation cannot offer a spiritual blessing to those we encounter, and it equally matters very little if one’s singular church vocation cannot offer material and tangible blessing either.

[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.] KJV 1 Peter 2:9

Brian Johnson, Ph.D.