This chapter is dedicated to the descendants of Levi who were chosen to be the priests, temple workers and spiritual servants for all of Israel.
“The sons of Aaron: … Eleazar… Eleazar fathered Phinehas, Phinehas fathered Abishua… Bukki… Uzzi… Zerahiah… Meraioth… Amariah… Ahitub… Zadok… Ahimaaz… Azariah… Johanan… Azariah (it was he who served as priest in the house that Solomon built in Jerusalem)… Amariah… Ahitub… Zadok… Shallum… Hilkiah… Azariah… Seraiah, Seraiah fathered Jehozadak; and Jehozadak went into exile when the Lord sent Judah and Jerusalem into exile by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.” (v3b-15 abr)
I found the descendants of Aaron to be quite interesting. Almost all of these names are familiar since they are the high priests of Judah/Israel. Just like the kings, not all of these priests did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Some were just as corrupt the the king who ruled over them, though others served the Lord whole-heartedly and helped their king/nation serve the Lord.
This is still important today because the Bible proclaims we are all priests. “You yourselves… are being built up… to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. …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 Pt 2:5,9 abr)
The Apostle Peter tells the church that we are all priests, God’s chosen people, that we may proclaim the name and glory of Jesus. When we look at the calling of the Levitical priests, and realize that we are called in a similar fashion, it can really open our eyes to the importance of our role in building God’s kingdom through our obedience.
Don’t worry, we can be priests without entering fulltime ministry. Being a priest means obeying prompts from the Holy Spirit, and testifying of Christ’s love to those around us. By spreading the good news of Jesus’ redeeming sacrifice (the gospel), and honoring God by how we live, we are fulfilling our priestly calling.
Father God, our Glorious and Holy Lord, we exalt and lift up Your name. We praise You for the rich lineage of our spiritual ancestors, and ask You to please guide us now. May we continue in the royal priesthood, proclaiming Your greatness and Jesus’ redeeming power. May we be shining examples of Your glory in how we live, and may we honor You forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training