““The purpose of my covenant with the Levites was to bring life and peace, and that is what I gave them. This required reverence from them, and they greatly revered me and stood in awe of my name. 6They passed on to the people the truth of the instructions they received from me. They did not lie or cheat; they walked with me, living good and righteous lives, and they turned many from lives of sin. The words of a priest’s lips should preserve knowledge of God, and people should go to him for instruction, for the priest is the messenger of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.” Malachi 2:5-6 NLT

As we consider the arriving of the Savior of the world, we should always remember that with a valuable gift comes great responsibility! The word of God to the prophet is of great import to the church today. Let us consider the opening words of this verse, “The purpose of my covenant with the Levites.” One might ask “where are the Levities today?” Well…take a look in the mirror! The Scripture tells us that,

“You [believers], like living stones, are being built up into a spiritual house for a holy and dedicated priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices [that are] acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5 AMP

“…5and from Jesus Christ, the faithful and trustworthy Witness, the Firstborn of the dead, and the Ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who [always] loves us and who [has once for all]  freed us [or washed us] from our sins by His own blood (His sacrificial death)– 6and formed us into a kingdom [as His subjects], priests to His God and Father–to Him be the glory and the power and the majesty and the dominion forever and ever.” Revelations 1:1-6 AMP

Now the rest of our verse today should make sense and its import to the life of the believer today! If we are now the priests of the Most High them then it is our job to be sure that the temple is ready for the presence of God. Since we know that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit it makes sense then that we live holy and separated lives! We now do that from a place of awe and reverence for our God! It is from that place which or lives show forth the glory of the Lord’s work. We are not denying the work of the Holy Spirit but rather showing forth to the world the transformational power of His love! Once our lives reflect Him, we can then go on to pass to the people the “truth of the instructions” we have received thereby fulfilling the command to “make disciples of all men.” 

It is great to enjoy and show the new gifts that we receive but there comes a moment when we need to put them to work! The gift was given to us without condition but to fully experience its power we must go forth and proclaim the good news! What an honor it is to be drafted into priestly service for our King! The book of Revelations reminds us that,

“And they sang a new song [of glorious redemption], saying, “Worthy and deserving are You to take the scroll and to break its seals; for You were slain (sacrificed), and with Your blood You purchased people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.

10“You have made them to be a kingdom [of royal subjects] and priests to our God; and they will reign on the earth.” Revelations 5:9-10 AMP

This Christmas ask yourself what “song” are you singing with your life? Have you taken your priestly responsibilities seriously? The song of redemption should be proclaiming loudly that you are His! Take time to sit with the King of kings so that you too may be a light shining brightly during this Christmas time! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken