“For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices…” (Hebrews 8:3).
Jehovah is a God of purpose. He is never willy nilly or mindless. His great scheme of human redemption in Christ is described in Scripture as “the eternal purpose” (Ephesians 3:11). Therefore, when Jehovah gave precise and detailed instructions to Moses about the Old Testament’s tabernacle and priesthood, He did so purposefully.
In Scripture, the fundamental purpose of a priest is to offer gifts and sacrifices to God. An Old Testament priest serving in the tabernacle or temple was never to be empty-handed. There was too much to do for him to do nothing.
Since every Christian is a priest of God (1 Peter 2:5, 9), God’s purpose for His priests must transform our thinking and living. Continually we are to be presenting our bodies as holy, living sacrifices. This is an inherent part of our job description as priests of God (Romans 12:1). There is no down time. There is no “sacred” vs. “secular” time. There is no “ME time”. A priest in God’s service is always “on the job”.
Because of God’s expectations, a New Testament priest lives circumspectly (i.e., living in careful, precise obedience) and wisely redeems the time (i.e., makes the most of every opportunity). This is the Lord’s will (Ephesians 5:15-17). It is His unchanging expectation for His priests.
