On March 6, 1987, the Herald of Free Enterprise ferry left port with its bow doors open. Within minutes, water flooded the vehicle deck, the ship capsized, and 193 people died. The tragedy did not happen because no one knew what to do. It happened because someone failed to do what they were supposed to do.
That same kind of careless attitude appears in Malachi’s day. The priests knew what God required, but they treated worship like a burden. Malachi
1:13 shows their attitude: “What a weariness this is.” Their problem was not ignorance. It was a lack of reverence and care.
But this lesson is not just about Old Testament priests. 1 Peter 2:9 says Christians are “a royal priesthood,” and 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. If Christians are priests under the New Covenant, then we need to learn from the priests of the Old Covenant.
1. Priests Got Clean and Stayed Clean
Old Testament priests washed before serving God. Exodus 30:18–21 shows Aaron and his sons washing before entering the tent of meeting or approaching the altar.
New Testament priests must also be washed, but spiritually. Acts
22:16 connects baptism with sins being washed away. 1 Peter
3:21 explains that baptism is not about removing dirt from the body, but about an appeal to God through a good conscience. 1 Corinthians
6:11 reminds Christians that they were washed, sanctified, and justified.
Priests also wore holy garments. Exodus 28:2 describes garments made for glory and beauty. Christians are also clothed, not with priestly robes, but with Christ. Galatians
3:27 says those baptized into Christ have “put on Christ.” Colossians
3:12 calls Christians to put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
Priests also had to distinguish between clean and unclean. Leviticus
10:10 teaches that discernment mattered. Romans 12:2 and Hebrews
5:14 show that Christians must also learn to discern good from evil.
2. Priests Participated
Leviticus 24:8–9 describes the priests partaking of the bread connected to tabernacle service. Christians also participate in a sacred memorial. 1 Corinthians 10:16–17 teaches that the cup is a participation in the blood of Christ and the bread is a participation in the body of Christ.
Priests also kept the fire burning. Leviticus 6:12–13 commanded that the altar fire must not go out. Christians are not keeping a physical altar fire burning, but Romans
12:11 tells us not to be slothful in zeal, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.
3. Priests Brought Others Before God
Priests burned incense before the Lord. Exodus 30:7–8 describes Aaron burning fragrant incense regularly. In the New Testament, incense is connected with the prayers of the saints in Revelation 5:8.
Christians should be people of prayer. Acts 10 shows Cornelius’s prayers and alms ascending before God as a memorial. When we tell someone we will pray for them, we should take that seriously.
The high priest also carried the names of Israel on his breastplate. Exodus
28:29 says Aaron bore their names over his heart before the Lord. Christians also carry others through prayer, concern, and service. Galatians 6:2 says to bear one another’s burdens, and James
5:16 tells Christians to confess sins and pray for one another.
Priests also blessed the people. Numbers 6:23–26 gives the priestly blessing over Israel. Christians should be a blessing through words and actions. Ephesians
4:29 teaches us to speak words that build up and give grace. James 3:9–10 warns that blessing God and cursing people made in God’s image should not come from the same mouth.
4. Priests Were Precise With Holy Things
Priests handled holy things and were expected to follow God’s pattern. Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1–3 offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, and God judged them. Their example reminds us that worship and service to God must not be treated carelessly.
Christians also handle holy things. Our bodies belong to God. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 teaches that we are not our own.
We must follow the pattern God has given. Colossians
3:17 says everything we do in word or deed should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus. Hebrews
12:28 calls us to offer acceptable worship with reverence and awe. Luke
9:23 reminds us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Christ.
Conclusion
Christians are priests. We may not serve in the temple at Jerusalem, wear Levitical garments, or offer animal sacrifices, but we still belong to God and serve Him.
Romans 12:1–2 calls us to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. We are not perfect, and we depend on God’s grace and mercy, but there is a difference between looking for loopholes and sincerely wanting to do what is right.
The question is not merely, “Do I know what God wants?” The question is, “Do I care enough to do it?”