Priestly Work and Atonement
Why was it necessary to have a priesthood who operated in His temple? Num. 18:1-8.
The fundamental role of the priests was to be mediators between God and the people. The priests represented God before the people in their teaching ministry (Deut. 33:10). Closely related to that role was the priestly duty of revealing God’s will to those who sought divine guidance (Num. 27:21). The priests also functioned as judges in the sanctuary. In fact, the highest tribunal of the land operated at the central sanctuary (Deut. 17:8–13, 21:5). They were especially responsible for blessing the people (Deut. 10:8, 21:5). They represented the people before God. In their representative role they took the people with them to the presence of the Lord (Exod. 28:9–12, 29).
Their role as mediators was particularly visible during the daily services. They were in charge of the altar of the burnt offering and were to keep the sacred fire burning on it, removing the ashes and bringing new wood (Lev. 6:10–13). They placed a burnt offering on that altar in the morning and then another in the evening (Num. 28:3–8). During daily services the high priest went into the holy place to dress the lamp stand and to burn incense before the Lord (Exod. 30:7, 8). Also, whenever an Israelite brought a sacrifice, the priests sacrificed it on his or her behalf to make atonement for the sinner (Lev. 1:5–9; 4:25, 26, 34, 35). The role of mediation of the priest served at least three main purposes. First, it suggested that despite the fundamental distance between God and humans, there was a way to close the gap. Second, it revealed God’s desire to be with His people. It was a manifestation of God’s love seeking a way to become accessible to them, despite their sin. Third, from the perspective of the Israelites, the priesthood gave them access to the Holy One of Israel and the opportunity to be cleansed from sin and impurity. The priestly mediators were always available in order to make it possible for the people to approach God and find grace and mercy.
The whole system, of course, pointed to the ultimate Mediator between God and humans, the Servant of the Lord, Jesus Christ.
| Through the work of Christ we are part of the “royal priesthood” (1 Pet. 2:9). What is your role in that priesthood? How can you function as “priest” for other people? |
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