Royal Priest

Text
“’In that case,’ Eli said, ‘go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him’” (1 Samuel 1:17, NLT).

Insight
Priests have two main roles. First, is to represent the people before God (prayer/intercession). Second, is to represent God before the people.
Eli the priest came upon Hannah. She “was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord” (1:10, NLT). She had been taunted, made fun of and wept on many occasions over a certain issue in her life. Perhaps you know a Hannah. A person who is carrying a burden, fear or has a need… Has your path crossed with hers?
As Eli realized her situation he responded, “In that case, go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you asked of Him” (1:17). As a priest he represented the Lord to Hannah. Eli spoke a blessing over Hannah. He ministered peace to her troubled heart. He pointed her to God who answers prayers. Eli was a priest who took advantage of the moment to minister the heart and will of God to her.
Peter reminds us that we are royal priests designed to “show others the goodness of God” (1 Peter 2:9, NLT). We are called to represent. We are anointed to minister, bless and speak forth the heart and mind of God to the hurting. Declare His peace saying, “Go in peace!” Declare Him and His goodness praying, “May God grant your request.” We can do this because He makes the weak strong, answers the confused, gives joy to the downcast and brings rejoicing out of sorrow. “No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides You; there is no Rock like our God” (2:2).

Prayer
Father, as a priest and Your very own possession, I will show others Your goodness today. Cross my path with the hurting so I can minister your peace and love. Give me boldness to speak and declare your heart and mind over each person. In Jesus name, AMEN.