These three offices are part of Christ's role as Mediator between God and men (I Tim. 2:5). There is an obvious need on the part of sinful humanity for these roles of Christ. We need truth because we are foolish and unwise (prophet); we need our sins put away and access to God because of our damning guilt (priest); and we need to be rescued from Satan's dominion and be ruled in our hearts and minds (king).
There were prophets, priests and kings in the Old Testament order established by God. But, God did not ordain that all these offices be fulfilled by a single individual simultaneously. The priests came from the tribe of Levi. The kings came from the tribe of Judah. Prophets could come from any tribe. Isaiah was a great prophet, but not a priest. David was a prophet and a king, but not a priest. Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, was a priest who also prophesied, but he was not a king. A painful example of a man who tried to take upon himself one of the offices that did not belong to him was King Uzziah (II Chron. 26:16-21). The uniqueness and glory of Jesus Christ is seen in His fulfilling perfectly all three offices: prophest, priest and king.
The title 'Christ' means anointed one. In the Old Testament, there are many examples of individuals being anointed with oil, as a ceremony of being Divinely consecrated (set apart) to a certain office. Moses anointed Aaron and his sons to be priests. Samuel anointed young David with oil, since he had been chosen by God as king of Israel. Elijah anointed Elisha with oil, as he was to take up the role of prophet upon Elijah's departure from this life. God the Son taking on human nature, Jesus of Nazareth, is God's Anointed One. He has been chosen, ordained by God as Mediator. He has been consecrated by God as Prophet, Priest and King. As Prophet, to speak and reveal the will of God; as Priest, to offer Himself as a sacrifice making satisfaction for sin and to represent the people of God; as King, to rule and reign over the people by His word and Spirit. (Passages on Christ being anointed by God to His work: Psalm 2:1-6; Heb. 5:1-6; Heb. 1:8,9, Acts 10:37,38).
"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer." Romans 12:12 These words in Romans are part of the believer's response to all that God has done for him in Christ. The earlier chapters of Romans speak of the deep...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
"Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work" 2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
2 Corinthians 5:14 "For the love of Christ constraineth us..." Philippians 1:21 "For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain." The love of Jesus Christ in giving Himself up to die to save His people from their sins is love unbounded, far and...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
I just wanted to review some of the key points from yesterday's message from Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice." It is possible (and optimal) for the believer to have joy in Christ even during affliction....[ abbreviated | read entire ]
"More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." Psalm 19:10 The context of this verse reveals that David was emphasizing the value and sweetness of God's word. The Scriptures are much...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
A few weeks ago, I preached from 1 Corinthians 9:24, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain." We noted how the Isthmian Games (similar to the Olympics) were held in Corinth....[ abbreviated | read entire ]
A Thought From the Word “I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.” Psalm 81:10 The image of a baby bird craning its' beak wide open in request and expectancy for...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
A Thought From the Word “These are the journeys of the children of Israel, which went forth out of the land of Egypt with their armies under the hand of Moses and Aaron. And Moses wrote their goings out according to their journeys by the...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
A Thought From the Word “He ruleth by His power forever; His eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.” Psalm 66:7 God's word informs our faith. How we need God's perspective! If we were to only...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
