December 19, 2024

Passage Read: Exodus 19-22
Meditation Verses: 19:5-6

Thought

God intended for the Israelites to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation among all the nations of the world. Though all the earth is the Lord's, Israel was to be His special people who knew Him well and represented Him to all other nations. Though they themselves had the Aaronic priesthood which limited everyone else's access to the presence of the Lord, they were still all to be a kingdom of priests to the rest of the nations. They were all to know God so well that they could instruct others in His ways, intercede for them and direct them to the priests who could offer the proper sacrifices as needed.

Application

This will probably be fulfilled in the kingdom of Christ, but God has expanded the people who will be made into a kingdom of priests: all who believe in Jesus, regardless of ethnicity. This promise--and responsibility--has been given to us who believe in Jesus. He has made us to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, to represent God to all the nations around us, to all the people who do not yet know Him. This position was first given to the Israelites, and now we share in it. I am to teach others about Jesus and His expectations, and model submission and obedience to Him, as well as call everyone else to trust and obey Him. It's a promise that depends on my fully learning and walking in His ways and keeping His covenant, which today is trusting in Christ for forgiveness and ability to do all He asks.