43 - The Price of Priesthood

 

It’s beautiful to watch someone minister in the power of the Holy Spirit. Everything seems to flow so easily and naturally, as if that man or woman effortlessly knew just what to say or do. But ministry is never as easy as it looks. There are many personal sacrifices and inner struggles that must take place before God can consider us fit for His service. Today as we look at the garments He designed for Israel’s high priest we’ll discover they were meant to be symbols which reminded the one wearing them of the price that had to be paid in order to serve as a priest of God. As we examine each of the seven articles we’ll be reminded of the price God still calls us to pay if we are to be in His service. In effect, every Christian has been summoned to be a “priest” of the living God (1Pe 2:5, 9; Rev 1:6), but sadly many refuse to put on the proper garments. Perhaps it’s because they decide the responsibilities are too great, or possibly they feel unworthy of such a role. But for those who do there is a “glory” and a “beauty” (v 2) with which God clothes them. And, of course, that’s why when they minister everything seems to flow so easily and naturally.