Are we out of balance?
Many times as Christians we think that we are only supposed to be “priests.” This seems to be the norm throughout “Christendom” in America. But is it really all that we should be? Let’s take a look at the scriptures to find out.
We should all know by now what are the Ten Commandments that God Himself gave to Moses on Mount Sinai. Although many of us have not memorized them, we understand the essence of what they are. Just as a memory refresh, here they are again for reference:
1. You will have no other gods before me
2. Honor your father and mother
3. Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy.
4. You will not make any carved image
5. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain
6. Thou shalt not kill
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery
8. Thou shalt not steal
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor
10. Thou shalt not covet
Even though it’s about do’s and don’ts, it still doesn’t answer the question “Are we out of balance?” Let’s see what it means to be “priestly”. What does a priest do? Well, they marry people, bury people, and perform services like baptisms and other Christian rituals. They visit and counsel those in trouble and pray for the sick and dying. This is what we have been taught as Christians that we should go and do the same. Here is an example:
Good Samaritan – Luke 10: 25-37
Salt and light – Matthew 5: 13-16
Sending of the 12 – Mark 6: 7-13
Feeding the 5000 – John 6: 1-15
These scriptures were just a small fragment of the things that Jesus taught the disciples. There is another side to Jesus that most Christians are unaware of or simply ignore. We have almost been programmed by the Church to be simply “priestly.” We listen to it every Sunday and without fail we believe it and we do it. Don’t get me wrong, this is good and correct, yet there is another side to Jesus that most people are unaware of. Let’s look at the scriptures:
Jesus cleanses the temple: Mark 11: 15-18
Mar 11:15 So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of those who sold doves.
Mar 11:16 And he would not allow anyone to carry goods through the temple.
11:17 Then he taught them, saying: “Is it not written: ‘MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL THE NATIONS’?
Mark 11:18 And the scribes and the chief priests heard of it, and they sought to kill him; because they feared him, because all the people were amazed at his teaching.
Now, after reading this scripture, it seems quite strange that the “Lamb of God” acted so strangely. but why did Jesus do this? He was showing the other side of Himself, that is, a “King”. In Acts 2:36, we see this:
Acts 2:36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, Lord and Christ.”
And in his judgment:
Matt 27:11 Now Jesus was before the governor. And the governor asked him, saying: Are you the King of the Jews? Jesus said to him: “It is as you say.”
Mark 15: 2 Then Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” He answered and said, “It is as you say.”
Luke 23: 3 Then Pilate asked him, saying, Are you the King of the Jews? He answered him and said: “It is as you say.”
John 18:37 Then Pilate said to him, “Are you then a king?” Jesus replied: “You say that I am a king. That is why I was born, and that is why I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice.” “
What does it mean that Jesus was both “Lord and Christ”? Let’s find some clues in Greek!
In Greek, the word “Lord” is translated (G2962) Kurious Koo’-ree-os. And it means God, Lord, Master. The word “Christ” is translated (G5547) Christos Khris-tos’. And it means Anointed, Messiah, Christ.
Okay, so Jesus has two titles. What does that mean? Well, he was king and priest at the same time! In most cases, we see Jesus as a “priest” in Scripture, but where is He as king? Let’s see!
In the book of Revelation we see Jesus coming on a white horse to judge the earth:
The rider on a white horse
Revelation 19:11 I saw heaven open, and behold, a white horse. And the one who sat on him is called Faithful and True, and with justice he judges and makes war.
Revelation 19:12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on his head were many diadems. He had a written name that no one knew except himself.
Revelation 19:13 He was dressed in a tunic dyed in blood, and his name is The Word of God.
Revelation 19:14 And the armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed him on white horses.
Rev 19:15 Now a sharp sword comes out of his mouth to strike down the nations with it. And he himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He himself treads the winepress of the burning and wrath of Almighty God.
Revelation 19:16 And on his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Revelation 19:17 Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried out with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven: “Come and gather together for the supper of the great God,
Revelation 19:18 so that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of the mighty, the flesh of horses and those who sit on them, and the flesh of all peoples, free and slave, small and small. brilliant. “
Revelation 19:19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth and their armies, gathered together to make war against the horseman and his army.
Revelation 19:20 Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who performed signs in his presence, with which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.
Revelation 19:21 And the rest were slain by the sword that came out of the mouth of the one riding the horse. And all the birds were filled with their meat.
This is an image of Jesus that we are NOT used to. So what does that have to do with us? Jesus made us kings and priests too! This may sound quite strange, but if you think about it, Jesus knew He was leaving, so He had to spread His ministry and create an army of soldiers who are also kings and priests. Here’s a script:
Rev 1: 5 and of Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To the one who loved us and washed us from our sins with his own blood,
Revelation 1: 6 and has made us kings and priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and empire forever and ever. Amen.
Let’s go to Greek to find out what that means:
1) King: G935 – Basileus (bas-il-yooce) means: king
2) Priest G2409 – Hiereus (hee-er-yooce) means: priest
Furthermore, we have been given “authority”.
Titus 2:15 Speak these things, exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.
2 tes. 3: 9 not because we don’t have authority, but to be an example of how he should follow us.
Here we see Peter with Ananias and Sapphira:
Acts 5: 1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.
Acts 5: 2 And he withheld part of the gain, knowing his wife also, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 5: 3 But Peter said: Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep part of the price of the land?
Acts 5: 4 While it remained, was it not yours? And after it was sold, wasn’t it under your own control? Why have you conceived this in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God. “
Acts 5: 5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear seized all who heard these things.
Acts 5: 6 And the young men arose, wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
Acts 5: 7 About three hours had passed when his wife entered, not knowing what had happened.
Acts 5: 8 And Peter answered him, Tell me, did you sell the land for that much? She said, “Yes, by far.”
Acts 5: 9 Then Peter said to him, “How is it that you have agreed to test the Spirit of the Lord? See, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” “
Acts 5:10 Then immediately she fell at his feet and breathed out one last time. And the young men entered and found her dead, and taking her, they buried her next to her husband.
Acts 5:11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard these things.
Peter did not declare them dead, but had “discernment” about the fact that they both lied about the amount for which they sold their possession. It was the Holy Spirit who killed them.
So this ends part one – stay tuned for part two!
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