Zechariah lived out a twofold identity as both priest and prophet. The grandson of the priest Iddo and the head priest of his family (Zechariah 1:1; Nehemiah 12:1,16), he was prophetically called to encourage the people of Judah with God’s words (Zechariah 1:13-17). In addition, he told them to repent (Zechariah 1:3-4), renew their efforts for God (Zechariah 8:12-13), and follow His ways (Zechariah 7:8-10).
The vital mission of Zechariah reveals a portion of the threefold mission of every believer in Jesus—to be a prophet, priest, and king. Tim Keller writes about this tri-fold purpose in his book Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City. Here are the points Tim presents:
1. Every believer is a prophet. Joel 2:28-29 describes the time when the Holy Spirit would come on all believers and they would prophesy. This took place on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13). And now all believers are called to prophesy—to clearly present God’s truth to others so they might repent and follow Him.
2. Every believer is a priest. Peter wrote that believers in Jesus are “royal priests” (1 Peter 2:9). Following the example of Jesus our “great High Priest” (Hebrews 4:14-16), we’re to minister to others in loving and sympathetic ways.
3. Every believer is a king. Scripture reveals that we reign with Jesus as both kings and priests (Ephesians 2:6; Revelation 1:5-6). And all believers should therefore battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil, while also speaking the truth in love to fellow believers (Ephesians 4:15).
Zechariah was careful to reveal God’s words during his time on earth. As prophets, priests, and kings established in Jesus, may we do the same during ours!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 39:1-23
More:
Read Romans 12:1-2 and consider what it means to live out the threefold mission of a believer in Jesus—being transformed in how we view God, others, and ourselves.
Next:
How does it affect you to realize that you’re a prophet, priest, and king in God’s eyes? Which of these three roles do you need to grow in? How will you do so?
Gary Shultz on January 22, 2015 at 6:18 am
Thanks, the functions of each area are certainly applicable and worthy. I guess I don’t often see the titles linked that way to the functions. Something to think about.
Tom Felten on January 22, 2015 at 8:47 am
Gary, it’s interesting how the sum of these functions is truly imitating Jesus. He showed what it means to be a prophet, priest, and king for God’s honor!
Mike Wittmer on January 22, 2015 at 7:09 am
Thanks for showing the significance of the minor prophets. I don’t often read there. May we show Jesus to the world, our prophet, priest, and king.
Tom Felten on January 22, 2015 at 8:49 am
I’m with you, Mike. There are portions of the Bible that we’re naturally drawn to and the minor prophets do not contains those portions! But there is so much to be gained by seeking God’s wisdom in them.
Winn Collier on February 1, 2015 at 7:46 am
God has entrusted much to us, hasn’t he?