Chuck Foreman – Teaching Pastor

What is it that we all need, perhaps more than anything else? What makes you feel affirmed, loved, supported, respected? What makes you feel safe as a person when you’re in the company of strangers? It’s when you have someone, even just one person, who knows you inside and out, but who still loves you unconditionally. That person has walked with you and been through some of the rawest parts of life with you. You know without a doubt that that person has your back, no matter what. They will represent you well and if necessary, at great cost to him or herself, stand up for you.

This is the kind of person Jesus has become for us, as our High Priest. He is not aloof and inaccessible. He has experienced life as we know it. We can enter into God’s presence with confidence to receive his help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16). Jesus has our back; he is our advocate in God’s presence when we fall down (I John 2:1). This is the job description of a priest. And this is also what God has called each and every one of us to do for each other. We are a kingdom of priests to each other as we serve, represent, care for, point the way to God for each other and declare the greatness of God all along the way. And as we do, our priestly worship goes up to God and the good we do for each other in the Family of God rises up to him as a pleasing and acceptable offering.

“You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession,
that you may declare the praises of him
who called you out of darkness
into his wonderful light.” (I Peter 2:9)

Now that is the coolest thing anyone has ever said about me or you! When someone believes in you that much, it makes you want to live like it’s true. It is. Let’s do.