December 4, 2022

DUTIES OF THE PRIESTHOOD

Numbers 18:1-3

Now the Lord spoke to Aaron, saying, “You and your sons and your father's house with you shall bear the sins of the holy things, and you and your sons with you shall bear the sins of your priesthood. You shall also bring your brethren, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, to yourself, and they shall be joined and added to you, and minister liturgically with you and your sons with you before the tabernacle of testimony. They shall perform your guard duties and the duties of the tabernacle, but they shall not come near the holy vessels and the altar, lest they die—they and you also.

Personal Challenge

In the Old Testament, under the old covenant, the duties of the priesthood are clearly called out. Aaron and the Levites were set apart to perform the priestly duties as defined for God's people. In the New Testament, under the new covenant, all true followers of Christ are called out to be part of the holy priesthood with Jesus being the High Priest. We are called upon to serve, just as the Levites of old, as the ones to take care of the church. It has become a disappointment to see clericalism take over our churches, both Eastern and Western, as they raise up and glorify monasticism, clericalism, and professional priests and pastors, all the while minimizing the role of the rest of the followers of Christ in the administration of the church. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!