Word of Encouragement (09/12/2023)

Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. (1 Sam. 12:23)

This is not a prayer, but it is an important teaching about prayer. Here, Samuel speaks of prayer not merely as a privilege but also as a responsibility. Is it true of us, too? Samuel was a judge and prophet. But most of us are mere laypeople!

Let’s consider what the New Testament says about our new identity in Jesus Christ: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9). One of the transformative teachings of the Reformation was the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. The Reformers recovered the biblical doctrine that, through their union with Jesus Christ who is the true and eternal Prophet, Priest, and King, all believers are made prophets, priests, and kings. Because Jesus died for our sins and covered us with the robe of His perfect righteousness and bestowed on us the Holy Spirit, believers can enter the Most Holy Place of the heavenly temple as God’s priests. Because we have received the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, we are prophets. Because we are adopted as God’s children in Jesus Christ, we reign as kings with Christ Jesus.

This is not to say that, for now, we don’t need God’s ordained servants, who carry out these covenant offices in a formal way. When God’s people get together on the Lord’s Day for an official assembly at the call of God, the pastor proclaims the message of God from God’s Word to the people of God, carrying out the prophetic office as God’s official messenger. When the elders meet as a session, they carry out the kingly office in the name of Jesus Christ, the true King. And when the elders pray for the congregation during worship, when the deacons carry out their diaconal ministries, they carry out the priestly office. But all believers are prophets, priests, and kings in an informal, non-official capacity. When they teach the Bible to their children or share the Word of God with their fellow saints and unbelievers, they are acting as prophets. When they discipline their children or confront their fellow members regarding their sins, they are acting as kings. When they pray for one another and use their God-given talents and resources to serve one another, they are acting as priests.

So, Samuel’s words apply to all believers in an informal yet significant way. Prayer is not an option; it is our duty as God’s royal priests, who are united to Jesus Christ, the true Prophet, Priest, and King. You may not have much to pray for. For now, your cup overflows, and you are grateful. That’s wonderful! Then, you can spend more time praying for your families, for your brothers and sisters in the Lord, and for your unbelieving families and friends, who need your prayers on their behalf. May your confession be, “[F]ar be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you!”

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