Scripture and the Reformation: Priesthood

Welcome to the living Stone, the source of life. The workmen took one look and threw it out; God set it in the place of honor. Present yourselves as building stones for the construction of a sanctuary vibrant with life, in which you’ll serve as holy priests offering Christ-approved lives up to God. The Scriptures provide precedent:
Look! I’m setting a stone in Zion,
    a cornerstone in the place of honor.
Whoever trusts in this stone as a foundation
    will never have cause to regret it.
To you who trust him, he’s a Stone to be proud of, but to those who refuse to trust him,
The stone the workmen threw out
    is now the chief foundation stone.
For the untrusting it’s
. . . a stone to trip over,
    a boulder blocking the way.
They trip and fall because they refuse to obey, just as predicted. ~ I Peter 2:5-8 (The Message)

The priest is not made. He must be born a priest; must inherit his office. I refer to the new birth—the birth of water and the Spirit. Thus all Christians must became priests, children of God and co-heirs with Christ the Most High Priest. ~ Martin Luther

All Christians are called to be priests - and can exercise that calling within the everyday world. The idea of 'calling' was fundamentally redefined: no longer was it about being called to serve God by leaving the world; it was now about serving God in the world.” 
~ Alister E. McGrath

You are a priest. How does that sound?

 One of the primary things Luther gets credit for in the Reformation is the idea of the Priesthood of All Believers (although he personally never called it that himself).

 It means that as part of our baptism, we are born into the holy work of God. That we are part of a holy order. 

 And as Peter says, part of the very building blocks of God's sanctuary.

 It sounds - and feels - like a big responsibility. And it sounds like work.

 And it is work. Not the kind of work that gets you points or favor with God. You've already got that.

 But the kind of work you are meant for. A calling. A vocation.

 That calling or vocation may not mean you have to be an actual ordained priest. Your calling might be in your employment.

 Being the best banker you can be. Being a lawyer with integrity. Being a teacher who inspires students. Being a police offer who protects and serves all people fairly.

 The calling or vocation might be how you serve your family. I had a friend who, when her three children were small, said her calling was the "ministry of peanut butter sandwiches." She felt called to give her children the best of her time and support.

 And your calling might be how you serve or volunteer in your church or community.

 Of course, most of us have more than one calling.

 So...what is your priesthood?
Prayer: Lord you have called me. Give me the support and strength to live into that calling fully and with joy. Amen

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