Kingdom of Priests
Scripture
At Mount Sinai
1 On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on that very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. 2 After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.
3 Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
7 So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the Lord had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the Lord.
9 The Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” (Exodus 19:1-9a).
Reflection
God had delivered the Israelites from Egypt and led them to the foot of Mount Sinai where, through Moses, he spoke to them of their unique identity as his people. If they would obey him fully and keep his covenant, they would be his treasured possession, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation for him.
The covenant he would make with Israel was conditional; it required strict obedience to the Law and daily sacrifices to atone for sin. God had saved them, now the nation needed to live like his people and obey his laws. They could never lose his love, but when they disobeyed, they would be cursed—they would lose their land. When they set themselves apart in obedience, remained near to him, God blessed them.
Scripture shows us, over and over again, that Israel could not keep the covenant, and our own history shows us that neither can we. We needed someone who could obey for us. So God sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:10). With Jesus came the new covenant where God promised to forgive sin and restore communion with those who believe in his Son.
Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, in 1 Peter 2:9, we read of our new identity as believers in Christ: we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession. Those things that were Israel’s exclusively are now identified for every Christian.
Christian, if during this Lenten season, you are tempted to feel alone, like no one special, and having no real purpose, remember that you have been chosen by God. You are special and are a part of a family that belongs to the King, with free access to his throne and an eternal inheritance that will never perish, spoil, or fade. You have been set apart to declare his praises in your words and deeds.
Prayer
Dear Father, thank you that you have chosen us to be a part of your family. It is our joy with gratitude to honor you, our eternal King. Help us to never forget our identity in you, remembering we are valued and loved by you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
2024 Lenten Journey
Adrian Brown