Holy Priesthood

When I was growing up as a Catholic, we looked upon priests somewhat with awe being the focal point of our budding spiritual life. In that context, it was always us and them, a clear separation.

I have been mulling over last weeks bible discussion of 1 Peter, Chapter 2, and a light bulb clicked on as to what should be our true identity or purpose we are being groomed for here on earth. We have discussed in the past that we exist for God's purpose rather than for our own purpose. Here again, this message rings out clear and loud as follows:

"4As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— 5you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."[1Peter 2:4-5. NIV]

Wow, our true identity are priests in God's holy house,where our purpose is to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Ok, this begs the question what spiritual sacrifices are acceptable to God? This implies a direct personal connection in making such sacrifices (i.e., not by someone else). As briefly discussed, we collectively identified actions such as words (worship prayer)or good works as being possible sacrifices that could be offered to God. I dare say,all of our actions if centered or done with a motive to glorify our God, could be acceptable sacrifices.

Easier said than done. The ongoing spiritual warfare, results in us falling short more times than not in aspiring to be full time living sacrifices in the glory of our God. Yet, there is urgency, because of our finite life time on earth, and time is running out to get it right for ever and ever in our eternal lives in heaven. John shared a vision of the throne in heaven as follows:

"9Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, 10the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
11"You are worthy, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they were created
and have their being."
{Revelation 4:9-11, NIV]

I see the task before us, and pray that the Spirit will prune or groom the branches of each of our spiritual trees, to give such glory to our Lord and God.