“And has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (Rev 1:6)
God has called each one of his followers to operate as both king and priest. I strongly believe it is vital that we understand each role and walk out in them in a balanced way. If we fail to do this there will be an imbalance that could have a negative impact for us and the area of influence God has called us to.
First off, in the Old Testament it was forbidden (with a few exceptions) to operate in both roles. King Uzziah is an example of this.
“But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the Lord his God by entering the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. So Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him were eighty priests of the Lord—valiant men. And they withstood King Uzziah, and said to him, ‘Itis not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have trespassed! You shall have no honor from the Lord God.’” (2 Chronicles 2:16-18)
Clearly, mixing those roles was not a good idea for Uzziah.
But now we come upon the curious case of king Melchizedek. He was described as both a king and a priest. In the next article we will look closely at king Melchizedek.
“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High.” Gen 14:18
We know from scripture that Melchizedek was a type of Jesus himself. Melchizedek was a king and a priest, foreshadowing Jesus as the great High Priest who would save our souls.
“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 6:19-20)
We see Jesus as King:
“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:31-33)
And Priest
“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” (Hebrews 4:14)
We also see David as a king and operating as a priest.
“Now it was told King David, saying, “The Lord has blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, on account of the ark of God.” David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness. And so it was, that when the bearers of the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling. And David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouting and the sound of the trumpet. Then it happened as the ark of the Lord came into the city of David that Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, and she despised him in her heart. So they brought in the ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the tent which David had pitched for it, and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. When David had finished offering the burnt offering and the peace offering, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts. Further, he distributed to all the people, to all the people of Israel, both to men and women, a cake of bread and one of dates and one of raisins to each one. Then all the people departed each to his house. David returned to bless his household.” (2 Samuel 6:12-20)
It is said that David was wearing a “linen ephod.” That is the attire of a priest. We see him operating as a priest, officiating over the ceremony of the ark returning.
We see Jesus, Melchizedek and David operating as both king and priest. And just think how amazing it is that you and I are called to both roles. This is no small thing my friends.
Now, let’s shift the focus to how God has called us to both kings and priests on this earth. First, it might be useful to provide general definitions for both. A king is defined as a person who rules a kingdom. His main job is to provide protection and provision for those in the kingdom. The key takeaway is that a king exercises authority. A priest is solely focused on his relationship with God. He worships God and officiates the worship of God. He is a sort of bridge to God if you will – a mediator.
Kings
“And has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (Rev 1:6)
As believers we have been given authority because of our position in Christ.
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples...'” (Matthew 18:18-19a)
The authority we have been given by our father is for the expansion of His kingdom. This is not a forceful kingdom but a kingdom of love.
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Eph 2:4-6)’
The above verse says that God “raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” This “raising up” talks of a raising in authority. It does not mean sitting up in some cloud enjoying the view. To “sit” means to sit in a seat of authority. Take a look at the beginning of Psalm 110, a Messianic Psalm.
“The Lord said to my Lord,’Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’
The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion.
Rule in the midst of Your enemies!” (Psalm 110:1)
In Ephesians 6 Paul gave us a picture of a warrior taking a stand. This is the picture of us as warriors in our Father’s kingdom. We see some armor is for defense (shield) and others for offense (sword). We have been given authority to wage war (wrestle) against principalities and powers. Our main weapon is the Word. This was the weapon of choice for Jesus when tempted by the devil. “It is written.” (Matthew 4) We must know the Word. It must be hidden deep in our hearts. It is our greatest and most effective weapon.
Some would shy away from all of this warfare stuff and just prefer to live in peace. Like it or not we are all enlisted in the army of God. We can choose to go awol but there is a battle yet to be fought and won. The consequences could not be greater.
Priests
It was in God’s original plan that all of Israel would be a kingdom of priests.
“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.” (Exodus 19:5-6)
Sadly, Israel rejected this plan. But the heart of God has not changed and He still seeks a people that will be a “kingdom of priests.”
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10)
The “you” is us! We are His chosen generation, royal priesthood, holy nation. We cannot take those words lightly. To be a priest in the Old Testament was a big deal. The position was held with great regard and honor. As a “royal priesthood” our function is to worship God and bring others into relationship with Him. Each one of us has the ability to relate as priests of God in a unique way.
As priests this is our job description:
“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” (Her 13:15)
Our job is to praise. As priests we do not offer animals but praise, the fruit of our lips. Think of the great privilege we have in praising our God. And He greatly enjoys our praise!
“The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zeph 3:17)
Not only does He enjoy the praises but He sings back to us! Oh, what joy awaits those who offer up praises.
As I said earlier, it is of critical importance that we operate in both roles of king and priest. Some may think this all too high and mighty but it is all His choice. He has appointed you as a king, who rules and reigns with Him. And as a priest who continually offers up praises. If we operate in both of these we will expand the kingdom of God and bring glory to God.
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Last Updated: January 12, 2024 by I am a VOICE Ministries
Kings & Priests
“And has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (Rev 1:6)
God has called each one of his followers to operate as both king and priest. I strongly believe it is vital that we understand each role and walk out in them in a balanced way. If we fail to do this there will be an imbalance that could have a negative impact for us and the area of influence God has called us to.
First off, in the Old Testament it was forbidden (with a few exceptions) to operate in both roles. King Uzziah is an example of this.
“But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the Lord his God by entering the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. So Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him were eighty priests of the Lord—valiant men. And they withstood King Uzziah, and said to him, ‘Itis not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord, but for the priests, the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense. Get out of the sanctuary, for you have trespassed! You shall have no honor from the Lord God.’” (2 Chronicles 2:16-18)
Clearly, mixing those roles was not a good idea for Uzziah.
But now we come upon the curious case of king Melchizedek. He was described as both a king and a priest. In the next article we will look closely at king Melchizedek.
“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High.” Gen 14:18
We know from scripture that Melchizedek was a type of Jesus himself. Melchizedek was a king and a priest, foreshadowing Jesus as the great High Priest who would save our souls.
“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 6:19-20)
We see Jesus as King:
“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:31-33)
And Priest
“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” (Hebrews 4:14)
We also see David as a king and operating as a priest.
“Now it was told King David, saying, “The Lord has blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, on account of the ark of God.” David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness. And so it was, that when the bearers of the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling. And David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouting and the sound of the trumpet. Then it happened as the ark of the Lord came into the city of David that Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, and she despised him in her heart. So they brought in the ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the tent which David had pitched for it, and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. When David had finished offering the burnt offering and the peace offering, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts. Further, he distributed to all the people, to all the people of Israel, both to men and women, a cake of bread and one of dates and one of raisins to each one. Then all the people departed each to his house. David returned to bless his household.” (2 Samuel 6:12-20)
It is said that David was wearing a “linen ephod.” That is the attire of a priest. We see him operating as a priest, officiating over the ceremony of the ark returning.
We see Jesus, Melchizedek and David operating as both king and priest. And just think how amazing it is that you and I are called to both roles. This is no small thing my friends.
Now, let’s shift the focus to how God has called us to both kings and priests on this earth. First, it might be useful to provide general definitions for both. A king is defined as a person who rules a kingdom. His main job is to provide protection and provision for those in the kingdom. The key takeaway is that a king exercises authority. A priest is solely focused on his relationship with God. He worships God and officiates the worship of God. He is a sort of bridge to God if you will – a mediator.
Kings
“And has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (Rev 1:6)
As believers we have been given authority because of our position in Christ.
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples...'” (Matthew 18:18-19a)
The authority we have been given by our father is for the expansion of His kingdom. This is not a forceful kingdom but a kingdom of love.
“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Eph 2:4-6)’
The above verse says that God “raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” This “raising up” talks of a raising in authority. It does not mean sitting up in some cloud enjoying the view. To “sit” means to sit in a seat of authority. Take a look at the beginning of Psalm 110, a Messianic Psalm.
“The Lord said to my Lord,’Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’
The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion.
Rule in the midst of Your enemies!” (Psalm 110:1)
In Ephesians 6 Paul gave us a picture of a warrior taking a stand. This is the picture of us as warriors in our Father’s kingdom. We see some armor is for defense (shield) and others for offense (sword). We have been given authority to wage war (wrestle) against principalities and powers. Our main weapon is the Word. This was the weapon of choice for Jesus when tempted by the devil. “It is written.” (Matthew 4) We must know the Word. It must be hidden deep in our hearts. It is our greatest and most effective weapon.
Some would shy away from all of this warfare stuff and just prefer to live in peace. Like it or not we are all enlisted in the army of God. We can choose to go awol but there is a battle yet to be fought and won. The consequences could not be greater.
Priests
It was in God’s original plan that all of Israel would be a kingdom of priests.
“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.” (Exodus 19:5-6)
Sadly, Israel rejected this plan. But the heart of God has not changed and He still seeks a people that will be a “kingdom of priests.”
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10)
The “you” is us! We are His chosen generation, royal priesthood, holy nation. We cannot take those words lightly. To be a priest in the Old Testament was a big deal. The position was held with great regard and honor. As a “royal priesthood” our function is to worship God and bring others into relationship with Him. Each one of us has the ability to relate as priests of God in a unique way.
As priests this is our job description:
“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” (Her 13:15)
Our job is to praise. As priests we do not offer animals but praise, the fruit of our lips. Think of the great privilege we have in praising our God. And He greatly enjoys our praise!
“The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zeph 3:17)
Not only does He enjoy the praises but He sings back to us! Oh, what joy awaits those who offer up praises.
As I said earlier, it is of critical importance that we operate in both roles of king and priest. Some may think this all too high and mighty but it is all His choice. He has appointed you as a king, who rules and reigns with Him. And as a priest who continually offers up praises. If we operate in both of these we will expand the kingdom of God and bring glory to God.
Category: Kings & Priests Tags: kings, Melchizedek, priesthood, priests, royal
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