A Nation of Priests
“You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession” (1 Peter 2:9b (NLT). A nation of priests is an amazing vision of what the Kingdom of God is to be like. Priests are to be lights showing the goodness of God; they are to be intercessors showing the mercy of God. They are to be reconcilers, a bridge between God and humans. They are to heal the hurting; they are to announce forgiveness of sins. The people are to find peace and hospitality with them as the representatives of God on the earth. This is the calling of God ’ s people.
“Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.” Exodus 19:5-6 (NLT)
