(Don’t miss the first two parts of this series, starting here!)
Our Role as Kings and Priests
We learn from John’s revelation of the risen Jesus that He “…loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father” (Rev. 1:5-6, NKJV). Truly, this is a stunning privilege. To be called His kings and His priests is not just pretty, poetic language. These two titles describe the crucial role He has given us here on the earth as we await His return.
The other reference in the book of Revelation to being His kings and priests is in conjunction with the “…golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints” (Rev 5:8, 10, NKJV). Our function in these two roles is intercessory. As kings and priests, we are to fill those golden bowls full of incense, setting in motion the spiritual lightnings, thunderings, and earthquakes that will transform the world around us.
What does this mean? In order to understand, let’s examine each of the two functions separately.
Kings: This word reveals the authority that God has delegated to us in the earthly realm. To sit in this position means to rule, to exercise dominion. As we employ our spiritual eyes and fixate on God’s throne, He will release His decrees through us. We find an example of this in the Old Testament figure of King Cyrus, put into place by God to enforce His purposes for His people.
The book of Isaiah, describing Cyrus, provides a fascinating look into how God operates through us as kings. Let’s dig into these verses:
First, God announces to us what His divine decrees are: Jerusalem shall be inhabited and the towns of Judah shall be built up again. Immediately afterwards, He announces that He will implement these decrees through Cyrus. This king, chosen by His hand, will be His earthly mouthpiece, uttering the decrees of His heart: “Let it be rebuilt!” and “Let its foundations be laid!”
Remember, now that Jesus has washed our sins in His blood, you have become His chosen king (or queen)! Whatever His intentions are for the earth, His will is to utter those decrees through you as you inhabit your place in the heavenly realms seated with Christ. Whatever problematic circumstance that He brings you into intercession for, allow Him to cry out through you, “Let these ruins be rebuilt! Let the foundations be laid! Let restoration come forth, in the mighty name of Jesus!”
Look what this same passage of Scripture guarantees: “[The LORD] carries out the words of his servants and fulfills the predictions of his messengers” (v. 26). I love how the Living Bible renders this one: “When they say Jerusalem will be delivered and the cities of Judah lived in once again-it shall be done!” (bold emphasis mine). When you are carried along by Holy Spirit in intercession, releasing His kingly decrees into the earth, it shall be done!
(To be concluded tomorrow!)
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Do you consider yourself to be royalty? What are the implications of that?
Feeding On Jesus 