Priesthood of all Believers

As we read the books of Nehemiah and Ezra, names of the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers and the temple servants, keep popping up. One can't help but to see that these are "specialists" that took care of all matters in relation to God. They were the ones somewhat like go-in-betweens for us to God. Because of the cross, as the curtain of the temple (Matthew 27:51) that separates us from the Holy of Holies (symbolizing the Presence of the Lord, that were accessed by the High Priest once a year) was torn in two, the "specialists" lost their jobs forever.

Instead, we all took these jobs as priests of the Almighty God. We now go directly to the Presence of God, with the Sacrifice for sins offered once and for all by Jesus on the cross. 

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Don't you see how privileged we are now living in this age of grace? Count your blessings! We go direct to God! The pastors and full-time workers in the church are not "specialists" because you and I all have the same access privilege. Our role is to help equip you to be better priests and not to take over that role from you!

Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV)

11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Gates in Jerusalem

For those who are thoroughly confused :) by the gates mentioned in Nehemiah, here's a diagram to help you!

Background to Nehemiah

I mentioned earlier in a post here of Rev David Pawson's "Unlocking the Bible" as a great tool to help you in your Bible reading. You can make your reading and journalling of Nehemiah with a lot more understanding and engagement if you read his chapter on Ezra and Nehemiah, page 682. It is very easy reading and provides a wonderful historical background to this book. Did you know there were two exiles, three deportations and three returns? Nehemiah led the third return. His chief concern was to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Who lead the first and second return? Go find out! They were all mentioned in the book of Nehemiah.

In case you have not bought Pawson's book, you can get it from our bookshop in church. I assure you this will be one of your best investments for your spiritual growth.