Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 7, 2015
And has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:6, NKJV
A humbling thought: by faith in Jesus, He makes us kings, queens and priests. Not only are we to reign with Him in His future kingdom—we also reign with Christ now. We have dominion over ourselves and the world around us. When we bow to our Master Jesus—He empowers us to master the good and the bad in our life. Jesus became the Son of Man, so we could become sons and daughters of the Most High. Christ became like us so we could grow into His likeness.
What does it mean for us to have dominion over ourselves? We are no longer slaves to sin since our righteous Savior overcame death—we can overcome unrighteousness. We rule over sin because our Ruler won and still wins the fight against evil forces. Living in defeat is like a prisoner of war who remains in the enemy camp even though the prison doors are unlocked and wide open. Not only have we been set free from sin, self and Satan—we rule over them. We are royalty!
“For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).
Why has Jesus made His followers priests? He made us priests—because He was the great high priest who sacrificed Himself for our sins (Hebrews 9:11-12). Our priesthood means we have direct access to our Heavenly Father. We lift up our offerings of praise, thanksgiving and repentance to Him. We bring our sacrifices to God since Christ sacrificed His life for us. Every follower of Jesus is a priest who daily surrenders and points people to Jesus. Priests mediate for God.
How can you use your royal priesthood for the advancement of God’s kingdom? Prayerfully develop your professional platform. Model your culture after the gospel of Christ with excellent work, collaboration and compassion. Maybe you engage insiders in the faith and outsiders in Bible study, prayer or fun outings. It may mean you are more involved in your child’s education so you have increased influence over their spiritual and material role in the world. Invite friends to church so they learn how to have a friend in Jesus. A royal priesthood governs with grace.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1Peter 2:9).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I submit to You as my King and Priest, so I may exhibit a royal priesthood.
Application: How can I better govern my life for God? With whom can I share the gospel of Jesus?
Related Readings: Exodus 19:6; Isaiah 62:12; John 16:33; Colossians 1:12-14; Hebrews 4:14-16
Post/Tweet this today: Invite friends to church so they learn how to have a friend in Jesus. #kingsandpriests #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 7 minute music video- Chris Tomlin: At The Cross
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