A Royal Priesthood

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:9-17 But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; [10] for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY. [11] Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. [12] Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation. [13] Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, [14] or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. [15] For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. [16] Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. [17] Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

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Devotional Thoughts: Being an American, a nation without a King or royalty, it is hard for me to get my arms around the concept of a royal priesthood.  I certainly do not think of myself of being in a royal class of people.  It is hard to imagine what it would be like to live in a country where the royal linage was open; where ordinary people were offered the opportunity to become a part of the royal family with all its privileges and prestige. 
      That, my friends, is exactly what has been afforded to us.  Peter does not mince with his words, "You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood..."  Unlike the royalty of the earthly kingdoms, the opportunity to God's Holy Nation is inclusive.  The Gospel of John explains it this way: (John 1:12-13) But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, [13] who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
      What are some of the privileges associated with being a part of this royal priesthood?  "We" can come boldly before the throne of God and have an audience with the creator of the universe.  We have the honor of being "His" ambassadors on earth.  He has prepared meaningful work for us to accomplish.  He is with us every step in our sojourn through life.  He is preparing a place for us in His "house" to live forever.

Questions to Consider:

1. So, you are an Ambassador for Christ, how well do you think you are representing Christ to the world?  (What needs to change?)
2. What does being an Ambassador for Christ, and a minister of reconciliation mean to you?
   
3. You are not alone, as a Believer in Christ, you are a part of a royal nation of people.  What ministry (royal assignment) has been assigned to you?