Israel was delivered from Egypt. God’s original plan was that all the nation would be a priesthood. The sad fact is that because of sin only one tribe, Levi, became the priestly people (Exodus 32). God’s desire to free an entire nation to be priestly ministers to the whole world was not realized (Ex. 19:5–7).
However, in Christ and under the new covenant, this objective is within the scope of fulfillment. Peter writes, “You are…a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 2:5). These words provide one of the most foundational points of focus for kingdom-living. As kingdom people, we are called to be a “kingdom of priests,” fulfilling the mission ancient Israel never realized. How do we do that?
First, by glorifying the Lord through our worship and welcoming His presence and power into our present world scene. Second, by living obedient lives of purity before Him, demonstrating the joy and liberty God’s way affords. And third, as the priests ministered healing under the Old Testament covenant, we minister Christ’s wholeness to our world today.
