OUR SACRED, PRIESTLY FUNCTION

February 25, 2021

OUR SACRED, PRIESTLY FUNCTION


Aaron shall carry the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment over his heart when he enters the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually. (Exodus 28:29)

Aaron was the High Priest and, as such, had a profoundly serious task. He was to enter into the presence of the Lord in the Holy of Holies and represent the people before God. There, intercession would be made for the people that their sins would be forgiven. This happened at the "mercy seat" on top of the Ark of the Covenant.

All of this, of course, was a symbol and picture of Christ and what he would do in the coming days. Christ, our high priest, would enter in and give His blood for our pardon. He carried our names on His heart as He entered there at Calvary, offering a sacrifice to buy our eternal forgiveness.

OUR INTERCESSION

God has said that all those who are true believers are now "kings and priests." Our primary responsibility is to bring people to Christ. We are now interceding on behalf of others and also telling them the good news of what Christ has done for them.

In prayer now, we can intercede for people. Notice the parallels:

  • We carry others' names over our heart
  • We enter the holy place on their behalf
  • We do this before the Lord continually

Who has God placed in your life to intercede for them? Are their names on your heart? No one else may take up that responsibility. Are you entering the throne room on their behalf? And will you do it until you die, or they come to Christ?

George Mueller prayed for two childhood friends until his death, believing that God had placed them there and they would be saved as a result of prayer offered to a "prayer-hearing and prayer-answering God."

One of the men was saved at Mueller's funeral. The other came to Christ six months after his death.

Father, thank You for our sacred task and high calling. Make us great intercessors for others. Thank You that there are many things You do without our cooperation. But we know that you have ordained some things to be completed only by our involvement. Make us faithful, Lord.

 





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