Discovering Your True Identity: Priests and Kings in God's Kingdom

Have you ever felt like you've forgotten who you truly are? In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to lose sight of our divine identity and purpose. Yet, the Bible offers us a profound revelation about who we are in Christ that can revolutionize our understanding of our role in God's kingdom.

Let's journey through Scripture to uncover this transformative truth.

In 1 Peter 2:9-10, we find a powerful declaration:

"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. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

These verses paint a vivid picture of our identity in Christ. We are chosen, royal, holy, and specially possessed by God Himself. But what does it mean to be a "royal priesthood"?

To understand this concept, we need to look back at the Old Testament. In ancient Israel, the priesthood was confined to the tribe of Levi, specifically the descendants of Aaron. They alone could serve as intermediaries between God and the people, offering sacrifices and maintaining the temple.

Meanwhile, the kingship was tied to the tribe of Judah, particularly through the line of David. God promised that David's descendants would always sit on the throne.

But here's where it gets interesting: Jesus, our Messiah, comes from the tribe of Judah. He's called the "Lion of the tribe of Judah," symbolizing His royal nature and power. Yet, Jesus is also our ultimate High Priest, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.

In Jesus, we see the merging of both priest and king – a concept foreshadowed by the mysterious figure of Melchizedek in the Old Testament, who was both king of Salem and priest of the Most High God.

Now, here's the revolutionary part: through Christ, we too are made priests and kings. We are part of a new priesthood and a new kingly line, with Jesus as our head. This isn't just flowery language; it's a profound spiritual reality that should shape how we view ourselves and our purpose in this world.

So, what does it mean for us to be priests? Let's explore some key aspects:

1. Offering a Broken Spirit and Contrite Heart

Psalm 51:16-17 tells us that God desires a broken spirit and a contrite heart more than burnt offerings. This doesn't mean being perpetually downtrodden, but rather having a spirit that's yielded and moldable in God's hands. It's about allowing God to harness our power and gifts for His purposes, much like a wild stallion that's been "broken" to be useful to its master.

2. Presenting Fragrant Sacrifices

In the Old Testament, priests would offer incense as a sweet-smelling sacrifice to God. For us, this translates to offering our prayers, our good works, and our acts of service as pleasing sacrifices to the Lord. Philippians 4:18 describes such offerings as "a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God."

3. Giving a Sacrifice of Praise

Hebrews 13:15 encourages us to "continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that openly profess his name." This means praising God not just when everything is going well, but even – and especially – in difficult times. It's easy to praise when life is good, but offering praise during hardship is a true sacrifice that pleases God.

4. Doing Good and Sharing with Others

The same passage in Hebrews reminds us not to forget to do good and share with others, "for with such sacrifices God is pleased." Our priesthood isn't just about vertical relationship with God, but also about how we treat and serve those around us.

5. Becoming Living Sacrifices

Romans 12:1 urges us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. Unlike the dead animal sacrifices of the Old Testament, we're called to offer our very lives – vibrant, active, and fully engaged in God's service.

But remember, we're not just priests – we're also kings. This speaks to our authority in Christ, our future reign with Him, and our responsibility to steward and influence the world around us for God's glory.

This dual identity of priest and king challenges the notion of a passive, consumer-driven Christianity. It calls us out of spiritual unemployment and into active service. Every believer is a minister, gifted and called to serve in God's kingdom.

Reflecting on this truth should stir up gratitude in our hearts. We were once in darkness, lost and without hope. But God, in His mercy, called us out of that darkness into His marvelous light. We who once did not belong to Him are now part of His family, with a glorious inheritance.

So, how do we live out this identity? Here are some practical steps:

1. Discover your spiritual gifts and use them to serve others.

2. Cultivate a lifestyle of praise and worship, even in difficult circumstances.

3. Look for opportunities to do good and share with others.

4. Offer your whole self – body, mind, and spirit – as a living sacrifice to God.

5. Walk in the authority Christ has given you, influencing your sphere for God's kingdom.

Remember, you are chosen, royal, and holy. You are a minister of the Most High God, regardless of your formal training or position. You have been given everything you need to fulfill your calling.

As you go about your day, carry this truth with you: you are part of a royal priesthood, called to show forth the praises of Him who brought you out of darkness into His wonderful light. Let this identity shape your actions, your words, and your very being.

May we all grow in our understanding and application of this profound truth, becoming ever more effective priests and kings in God's kingdom.