ODJ: who we are

January 22, 2015 

READ: Zechariah 1:1-17 

You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9).

Zechariah lived out a twofold identity as both priest and prophet. The grandson of the priest Iddo and the head priest of his family (Zechariah 1:1; Nehemiah 12:1,16), he was prophetically called to encourage the people of Judah with God’s words (Zechariah 1:13-17). In addition, he told them to repent (vv.3-4), renew their efforts for God (8:12-13) and follow His ways (7:8-10).

The vital mission of Zechariah reveals a portion of the threefold mission of every believer in Jesus—to be a prophet, priest and king. Tim Keller writes about this tri-fold purpose in his book Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City. Here are the points Tim presents:

1. Every believer is a prophet. Joel 2:28-29 describes the time when the Holy Spirit would come on all believers and they would prophesy. This took place on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13). And now all believers are called to prophesy—to clearly present God’s truth to others so they might repent and follow Him.

2. Every believer is a priest. Peter wrote that believers in Jesus are “royal priests” (1 Peter 2:9). Following the example of Jesus our “great High Priest” (Hebrews 4:14-16), we’re to minister to others in loving and sympathetic ways.

3. Every believer is a king. Scripture reveals that we reign with Jesus as both kings and priests (Ephesians 2:6; Revelation 1:5-6). And all believers should therefore battle against the world, the flesh and the devil, while also speaking the truth in love to fellow believers (Ephesians 4:15).

Zechariah was careful to reveal God’s words during his time on earth. As prophets, priests and kings established in Jesus, may we do the same during ours! —Tom Felten

365-day plan› Genesis 39:1-23