Priesthood – A Gift From God

November 2023 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Priesthood – A Gift From God

I came across a story recently about a two year-old boy and his neighbor, a 99 year-old widow. They developed a special relationship across the fence that separated their yards, tossing balls to each other. The lady gave her young friend some good, old toy trucks. The boy did not have much to give, but he gathered a gift together for his friend. Under the watchful care of his parents, the little boy went out the gate of his yard, over to the old widow. Already knowing what was coming, the lady held out her hand, and the little boy gently placed what he had into her hand. It was dirt. Having received something from that one who was precious to her, and appreciating the kindness of his tender heart, the lady exclaimed, “Thank you! Ooh, that’s nice dirt!”*

Our Father always gives what is wonderful. James 1:17 declares, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (NKJV). We can think of a number of gifts God has given, and we even find it impossible to describe at least one, for Paul in 2 Corinthians 9:15 wrote: “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” Paul gave thanks, and how important it is for us to be thankful.

Among the gifts believers have been given is the position of priests. In Israel the priesthood was bestowed as a gift to just one family. “The Lord said to Aaron … ‘You and your sons with you shall attend to your priesthood for everything at the altar and behind the veil; and you shall serve. I give your priesthood to you as a gift for service, but the outsider who comes near shall be put to death’” (Num. 18:1,7). Yet now we read: “To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (Rev. 1:5-6).

May we serve with joy and thanksgiving as priests to God according to His desire, and may the Lord bless us as we together consider this incredible gift, given by the Father to all believers.

By Paul Alberts

ENDNOTE
* Friendship Fence