“And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” (Rev. 5:10)
Those who do not serve for the glory of God in this life, yet are truly saved, may not rule as a king, those who do not study to show themselves approved here, may not be a priest there.
A man is not elevated to a position of authority by default, when the reigning king has more than one son, not all can sit on the throne after he is gone.
“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matt. 23:11)
How many of you reading this poorly written letter honestly have admitted to yourself that you are, in a word, of royal blood, that you are above in the eyes of the Almighty the wicked, princes and princesses in this world? And those of you that have, have you done so with your pride in check?
“Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matt. 20:28)
Yet at the same time, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” (Matt. 10:34)
We are to be servants to those that hate us, we are to proclaim the truths of the Scriptures to those who despise us, we are ambassadors of the Kingdom of heaven, waiting to be crowned.
I dare say that all of us know of someone who has received a position of authority, who has abused that power, and it is both saddening and foolish to us to watch them do so, for power over people is an illusion, the free will of a man is only hindered by his fear of the possible retributions to himself if he does not obey.
“Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.” (John 19:11)
The Living God has placed all those who have trusted in His Son the Lord Jesus Christ for the salvation of their soul into positions of power, the power, through the Holy Spirit to persuade the minds of men. We cannot change their heart from stone to flesh, that is in God’s control, but we can reveal truth to them, that the future king or priest that is speaking to them has been authorized to offer them the same opportunity to become one as well.
We are kings and priests of the Living God called to serve the one True and only Sovereign Ruler of all reality.
“For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” (Gal. 5:13)
A true servant who understands that he has a place reserved for him on the throne of his King never uses this knowledge for his own personal advantage, he serves in all humility, understanding that he has not earned that position by his own strength.
There is a balance that must be observed here, pride must never be allowed in our hearts, but that place of kingship or priesthood must be sought after. Those who serve more and with a heart desirous to see the name of the Lord Jesus Christ lifted up receive more. The one who received five coins did not receive fifty for his efforts.
The ground at the foot of the cross is level my friends, only One was lifted up there. Servants who serve well are rewarded more than those who do not.
“For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” (Psalm 84:10)
It is a race to be run, not walked, it is a battle to be enjoined in, not viewed from afar.
I may not be a king or priest on that day, that is God’s to say, but that does not mean I do not realize who I am today, an ambassador of the Kingdom of heaven, sent with a message to all that will listen. All who have been born-again have heard the call and responded, we have been chosen. How we behave ourselves reflects the love we have for Him who has called us.
