In Leviticus, the LORD sets apart priests to mediate on behalf of the people of Israel, for the atonement of their sins. The priestly position was one of service, not one of privilege (in the condescending use of the word privilege). “Israel’s priesthood derives from the entire nation being a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Ex 19:6). The LORD directs His holy nation to set apart some of its members to be priests in order to administer His forgiving presence so that the nation, in turn, would be the channel and conduit of His grace for the world.”[1] The author of Hebrews declares to us that Jesus has become the High Priest who administers God’s forgiving presence in order that we, the Church, might be the channel and conduit of His grace to the world. Peter says it this way, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).

Spend some intentional time being a servant this week. Serve someone in your household in a new way. Serve your neighbor or co-worker in a way that they might not expect. As you serve, remember that your service isn’t about you, it’s about God and your fellow human beings.

[1] Lessing, R. Reed & Steinmann, Andrew E.; Prepare the Way of the LORD, pg. 105; Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO, 2014