Scripture: 1 Peter 2 v 6 - 9: "Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:"
If we are aware of the British Royal Family we will know of the intense interest people take in everything they do, say, wear, marry, eat or drink. The public are fascinated by their palaces or mansions, their journeys, squabbles, traditions, children, feuds etc. They live a life of privilege but have their dramas as well. Their lives are lived in the glare of public opinion.
The British Royal family are like a microcosm of the Royal Priesthood of God, which consists of born again believers who are the Body of Jesus Christ. He is known as the King of Kings and every part of His Body is royal. We are this royal priesthood and Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit take even more intense interest in us than the world takes in the recently crowned King Charles III and his family.
As priests we need to function by bringing truth to those around us. The Royals have a great influence on society and so should we. If any of the royal princesses wear a new item of clothing the high street shops sell out of it within hours. Their value to the economy is counted in billions.
The Holy Spirit is not an influence that comes upon meetings, He is God and He is in us to empower us with a supernatural influence to draw people to truth and righteousness. We are spiritually clothed in the white robes of righteousness, unspotted by sin through the cleansing of the Blood.
Those who are in darkness are blinded by that dazzling bright whiteness. But it intrigues them over time. Hours days, weeks, months even years until they have to have that garment. It's worth billions of souls to the Kingdom of God.
The Holy Spirit is extremely aware of every soul at all times. For the lost He works on their conscience. He convicts of sin increasing the guilt when their is no rapid response. He arranges situations like the possibility of death with thoughts of what happens to me after death. He brings more dazzling white Christians across their paths.
John 16 v 7 - 11: "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged."
The Comforter is the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit whom Jesus explains will reproduce or convict the sinful world of sin, righteousness and judgment. The Prince of this world is Satan who has been judged already. So it is not our job as Royals to make people feel guilty, or to flaunt our righteousness in a superior manner, that is the work of the Holy Spirit.
Our job is to preach or speak the truth about Jesus Christ to those who are ignorant of what He has achieved for His Body, those who are born again. Jesus said if I be lifted up I will draw all men (people) unto Me. He was lifted up on the Cross and we hung there with Him drawn by the power of God. He was as a magnet drawing in the dead spirits of every sinner so that all could be declared sinless and resurrected to life.
After being baptized in water and the Holy Spirit we are a New Creation. 2 Corinthians 5 v 17 - 21: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."
This is our proper function as a new creation. We are no longer "only human" we are upgraded because we are now saints, sinless born again with Jesus in our hearts. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to do great things. When we use our spiritual authority to heal the sick the healed person spreads the news. Jesus healed me. That lifts or exalts Him! It draws people to Him. When demons are expelled from people and are radically changed from gay to straight; lame to leaping; blind to seeing; addict to drug-free; Alcoholic to abstainer then Jesus is glorified. Many get saved. It's our royal duty!
We can lift Jesus up by exalting Him, sharing the wonders He has done, telling of His miracles, healings, life changing love and wisdom, His forgiveness of sin and everlasting life in Heaven. And He will draw people to Him again through our testimony.
How can they hear without a preacher? We must have our speech seasoned with salt......just enough to make them thirsty for more. We must have an acceptable answer for those who want more. We must be the kings and priests we have been called and ordained to be. True ambassadors of our eternal Kingdom.
John the Baptist referred to Jesus, the Lamb of God, as the Bridegroom to Israel, in John 3 v 28 - 29:
"28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled."
He is the Baptiser in the Holy Ghost. His name is Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Yes He is the King!
His Body, us, must be outstanding in showing forth the love, peace, joy, forgiveness, mercy and truth that were shown to us. We have been given life and we must pass on the life-giving message to those who are still dead in their sins.
The Lord gave me three instructions.....Love, till it hurts; pray till it hurts; and give till it hurts. In other words go the extra mile in care for others whether friends or strangers, lift them up into the light everlasting so they may walk in truth and safety.
We are chosen, royal, holy and peculiar (meaning different because we are New Creations). We need to be conscious of being given this extraordinary opportunity to serve our King and do the utmost for His Highest.
Being different from the world means we have been changed by Him from dark to light, from sinners to saints, and we must no longer conform to peer pressure or carry on with errant behaviour as that brings shame on Jesus. Our very difference should inspire those seeking a way out of a messed up existence, they should know that Jesus is the light shining through us.
He is the Royal Light they must follow and find peace in this turbulent world. We must shine it into their hard, stubborn hearts until they soften and submit. Time is definitely running out and we need to make the most of it, even make up for lost time by extra effort.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Jesus said He was going to build a mansion for us. A royal house for the kings and priests over whom He rules. Everything we receive is a free gift from Your loving heart and we should be just like You, freely giving that which we have received. Help us, o God, to be truly royal in our blessing of others. In Jesus' name. Amen.