"And I gush like a groom, for it’s here I commune with a prophet, priest and king" Smalltown Poets
Filoli Gardens, Redwood City, CA
I like this lyric. It is from a song released by Smalltown Poets back in the mid 1990’s. It is about how Jesus is the ultimate all-in-one package: He is a Prophet (he guides our future), he is a Priest (he pardons our sin) and he is a King (of Heaven and Earth).
Jesus is known as the “first-born” (Romans 8:29) – and those who come to God through him are not only counted as sons (and daughters) but are justified and glorified. The same spirit who resided in Jesus resides in us – the “God” part of Jesus is in us too. Jesus was fully man, but Holy Spirit was with him 100% of the time guiding, helping, discerning, and giving him power.
In Biblical times prophets, priests, and kings had gifts bestowed, lavished, presented, imparted, brought to them by commoners, merchants, courtesans, and other kings. Hospitality was an important aspect of the culture and presents - along with food, housing, and livestock were commonly given to visitors, heads of state, and your enemies if you wanted to get on their good side. Second Chronicles 9 tells relates the Sheba / Solomon exchange – she gave gold, precious stones and spices and he gave her “all of her desire, all that she asked.”
That said we are modern day prophets, priests, and kings. Holy Spirit resides in us to help us navigate the roads of our lives (prophet), to irradiate and convict of sin (priest), and bestow upon us the inheritance of royalty (kings). It isn’t us – it is God in us that is the prophet, priest, and king.
The esteem granted the Biblical prophets, priests and kings still happens today. Pastors are regarded very highly world-wide for their commitment to God. Nuns are revered and special preference and partiality are paid to those in “full time missions” (ie. living outside their country of birth in “harsh” circumstances).
The worlds esteem only goes so far - but God’s esteem is far-reaching. He knows who the “true” prophets, priests and kings are. He knows who Holy Spirit resides in and is working through – and he rewards those people with his favor.
Those granting you favor, esteem, respect, and appreciation may be directing it at you but are giving to what is in you…what is shining from interior to exterior. They are honoring the “Jesus” in you.
So the next time you are given “something for nothing with no strings attached” don’t be surprised. When you receive unmerited favor don’t be shocked. When the grocery line is cut and you go from fifth to first – don’t be amazed. Favor adds flavor to life!
Are you experiencing God’s favor, his unmerited grace in abundant measure? Are you seeing his hand in your everyday life? If not, why? Are you just not paying attention? Are you taking credit when it is due elsewhere? Or is there something between you and God…and obstacle blocking the flow of favor, blessing, grace and honor into your life?
Updates:
Living – The plastic is to come of the 8th and the sale is to close the 15th…one more month of mortgage payments!
Work – the retreat weekend I am in charge of begins the 9th, we have a speaking-gig at Google on the 13th, Brett leaves for Nigeria (hopefully) on the 14th, and we need to publish 4 books between now and the first of May!
Requests:
Living – the sale will go through without issue.
Work – that I can prep adequately for
Fundraising – If this blog, or any of the past entries have touched your heart please donate toward my
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