You are a priest, you know. As a follower of Jesus Christ, the Bible includes you in what it calls “a kingdom of priests.” (I Peter 2:9) Some translations make it “a royal priesthood.” Same difference.

Now, a priest has two main functions. Standing between God and man, he represents one to the other. Facing God, he speaks to Him on behalf of humanity. Christians call that intercession. Then, facing the people, he speaks to them on behalf of God. We call that witnessing.

Intercessory prayer and personal witnessing are the two primary assignments of priests such as you and me in this world.

Moses is a good example of such a priest. In Exodus 32, he has to deal with the rebellious Israelites who took advantage of his 6 week absence receiving the Law atop Mount Sinai by creating a golden calf and then lapsing into a particularly debauched kind of idolatry. Moses rebuked them for their sin, then said, “Whoever is on the Lord’s side, come to me!” (32:26) Notice that he is with the Lord, addressing the people for God. They are to get up and come to the Lord’s side. Witnessing.

Later, Moses prayed to the Lord on behalf of the people, saying, “If you will, blot out their sin. But if not, blot me out too.” (32:32) Intercession.

In effect, he said to the people, “I’m with God,” and to God, “I’m with the people.” He had a hold of both and refused to turn loose of either.

Recently while reading through Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, I noticed a strong word to priests. And since you and I qualify on that account as followers of Jesus, it occurred to me that you might appreciate this brief insight. Here it is, Malachi 2, verses 6, 7, and 8.

Speaking of the priesthood as though it were one man, Levi, God says, “My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him as an object of reverence; so he revered me and stood in awe of my Name.”

“True instruction was in his mouth and unrighteousness was not found on his lips; he walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned back many from iniquity.”

“For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.”

Pretty special stuff.

Here’s my quick take on those 3 verses. If you cannot find a sermon or teach a great Bible study out of this, you’re in big trouble.

“As a priest of the Lord Jesus Christ…”

1. …you are big on life and peace. (What are you all about?)

2. …you honor the Lord and His reputation above everything. (What comes first in your life?)

3. …you tell the truth, and your words are reliable and pure. (What comes out of your mouth?)

4. …you are widely known for your integrity. (What kind of example are you?)

5. …you are known as a peacemaker, not a troublemaker. (Does the atmosphere in the room improve when you enter? or only when you leave?)

6. …you are able to get through to people in sin and turn them around. (Rescued anyone lately?)

7. …people will come to you for answers, knowing you will tell them what God says. (Anyone sought you out in recent days?)

It all boils down to a love for the Lord, integrity in your personal life, and wisdom in your words.

Now, fast forward to the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Himself, remembering that Scripture calls Him our Great High Priest (Hebrews chapter 5, among other places). Listen to what people said about His words.

“…the crowds were amazed at His teaching, for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.” (Matthew 7:28-29)

“All were speaking well of Him and wondering at the gracious words which were falling from his lips….” (Luke 4:22)

“Never has a man spoken the way this man speaks.” (John 7:46)

As our great High Priest, Jesus was our perfect intercessor with God and the ideal witness to us about Heaven.

That’s our task. Go to it, priest. Someone you know needs your prayers. Someone you know needs to learn about God. You are the middleman. You tell them.