Prophet, Priest and King

Dear Friends in Christ Jesus,

            With his ascension Jesus returned to the throne of God in all his power and glory. I would like to take you back though to the beginning of his ministry. He was given the name Jesus to be our Savior. He was also known as the Christ, meaning the Messiah, the Anointed One. At his baptism he was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power. He began his ministry as the Christ at that time.   His ministry would reflect the three offices that were anointed in the Old Testament times. There individuals were anointed with oil, inaugurated into an office to carry out specific tasks. Those three offices set our thoughts this weekend, Prophet, Priest and King. We read:

(Eph 4:7-14 NIV) But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. {8} This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men." {9} (What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions ? {10} He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) {11} It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, {12} to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up {13} until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. {14} Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.

In the Old Testament times the office of the prophet was to proclaim God’s word. So we have the stories of Elijah, Elisha Isaiah and Jeremiah. These men had the responsibility of bringing God’s word to the people. Jesus was known as a prophet in his day. Think of his sermons and parable where he taught the people about their relationship to God.  He fearlessly and faithfully proclaimed the truth of God’s word. Jesus also was concerned what the next generations would be hearing.   He knew the generations to come would also need people who would teach and preach his word. It was his choice after he ascended to heaven to give some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. 

Now there are two sides to this office. Those who held those positions are to be responsible to preach and teach God’s word. They are to build up the people so they know the difference between truth and error. Jesus wants us to mature and work for God’s kingdom.   That’s what the pastor and teachers’ work is. The other side to these positions is that God expect people to listen to those whom Jesus sent.   So often people complain they don’t like the organized church.   They want to be their own little church in the great outdoors, but don’t want to listen or learn from the word of God. They fail to realize that Jesus had said, “he that hears you, hears me.”  

This weekend and next are two of the most exciting weeks at Martin Luther College and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.   Not only is it graduation at both, it is all call day. This is when many of the graduates find out where they will be going to do full-time ministry.   All too often we forget what role Jesus has in this weekend in the lives of the graduates. For our congregation we also asked that a graduate would be assigned to work in our midst.   What is the purpose of Jesus’ work?  

            Jesus has a special role in our lives here at Salem. Please keep your pastors, teachers in your prayer. 

In a most elaborate ceremony Moses anointed Aaron as the first high priest. He was the one who offered the sacrifices on behalf of the sins of the people. He also was the one who brought the pleas to the throne of God on behalf of the people. We read of Jesus’ ministry:

            When Jesus cried, “It is finished.” His work of redemption was completed. The sacrifice was complete. Never again would a sacrifice have to be made to pay for a sin. Jesus had once for all paid the price in full.  

            But his work of interceding is an ongoing work. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.

Do you need a lawyer? Do you need someone to plead your case?   I don’t know if anyone of us could imagine facing a judgment that the judge has to decide whether or not we deserve the death sentence! What might we have done to deserve such a sentence? Just remember God’s word says, “The wages of sin is death.” That is a death sentence to every sinner.   When we pray forgive us our trespasses, Jesus is there at the throne of God, saying, yes, for I have paid for their sins. The penalty has been paid. Your sins are forgiven.    He is still active every day, pleading our cause before the throne.

Samuel the prophet anointed David as king.   He would be entrusted with guarding and keeping God’s people in the land.   When Jesus took his place at the right hand of God he was back in the position of all power and authority. We read:

            Jesus was asked, are you a king? He answered yes. Little would Pilate understand he was talking to the King of kings. Sitting at the right hand of the Father we hear Jesus was above all rule, authority, power and dominion. We need this reminder as we live in this sin filled world. 

            Kingdom of Power:   When Jesus said, “be still” the wind and waves had to listen to him. He was in control of all nature itself. The wind, waves, rain, the snow are all in the control of Jesus. In this world we need the reminder that the Lord is in control.  All governments, kings, rulers, and despots are also subject to the King of kings.   All nature, the universe and each one of us are subject to the King of kings.  Things do not happen by chance or by accident. Though we live in a sinful world, Jesus can and does make all things turn out for good. He is all powerful. He also is at work so that people who are under his power would also come to know his Kingdom of Grace. 

            Kingdom of Grace. Who is in charge in Salem? This is not my church. This is not your church.   In essence it is Jesus. He is the head of the church. All believers are part of his body, the holy Christian church.   He is the head. Just because we are a human organization, we need to remember that it is not what I want, or what you want, it is what Jesus wants for each of us.   He has the authority to speak to each of us. It is not my word, but the Lord’s word that speaks to our hearts and lives. He has the right to say something is right or something is wrong. Jesus wants to rule in our hearts. Until we come to the Kingdom of Glory. 

            Kingdom of Glory. Jesus is also the one who gets all the glory in heaven.   On this weekend when we remember his ascension, we are reminded who is the King of kings and Lord of Lords. We wait for the day he will say to us: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. “ Amen.