I have been reading through the New Testament over this semester. And now towards the end, I’m reading those tiny letters at the back of the bible. I am always stunned at how much truth can be revealed over such a short few chapters. Anyhow, I was heading into 2 Peter and I stumbled across chapter 2 that calls us out as a holy priesthood, offering up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
I thought about this for days, it seemed. I’ve definitely read that many times before, but never spent much time considering the implications. We are the people that God has chosen who are doing his work here on earth. We are doing the work of praise, the sacrificing of our lives, the intercession for his people and the world. Verse 12 says “live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”
Is that where I’m living? I have to ask myself. Has the full weight of my relationship with Christ settled into my brain? I’m not just some forgotten step-child that God keeps on the bankroll. No. I’ve inherited so much as being co-heirs with Christ, and part of that is the proclamation of his mercies here on earth for the benefit of the nations. 2 Timothy 2:10 says “I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.” That is the call. We have been called out to share the good news of salvation, and if we continue to sit in church and beg to be fed, then our spiritual gluttony serves no purpose. Proclaim the gospel, friends. It is the work of the priesthood. AND, it is by the grace of God that he includes us in the work of calling out his people. Instead of resisting this, why aren’t we honored to do it? I think the answer is different for each of us, but needs to be dealt with so that the church can really start to do the work of the church.