Priest, prophet king—the chain of command based on who God is:

Meditating from I Samuel today, on the priestly, prophetic and kingly aspects of who God is, and how these are reflected in His People, and us daily.

In Judaism, there is an order to spiritual authority which reflects the nature of God. The priest is the highest (which reflects the I Am part of God’s Nature); the prophetic comes next (The Word and God’s communication of Himself); then the Kingship (His Rulership over all creation). This order is revealed repeatedly in the stories of the Old Testament, and perhaps most clearly with Samuel.

 Samuel was set apart at birth under the priesthood. Eli not only trained him at Shiloh, he was also the one used to grant Hannah’s prayer. So the priest was calling forth and even raising up, one who would become a priest, prophet and judge or ruler, and who would anoint Israel first King.

 In our personal lives, our priestly activities are the highest—this is us, ministering directly to God—worshiping Him, confessing our sins, offering prayers as incense etc; then we will hear from Him, as He is Word and communicates Himself and His desires; then we may be led down the mountain to rule with Him over the details of our day. I think this is a daily pattern for believers.

 We wake up as priest, we walk down the mountain with His words and communications for others, and then we rule over the details of our lives.

  My other little point here is this: the higher blesses and calls forth the lower. So priest call forth prophets, and prophets anoint kings.

Jesus of course was all three. He came as a living Word or prophecy of The Father, and He began his rule on earth. But His highest part is “He ever lives to make intercession.” He ministers firstly to the father, and was often seen, while on earth, slipping away to be with Father in their garden space. Jesus prayed.

  And it was the core practice of His personal spirituality. He was priestly, prophetic and kingly in His daily life. He is our model or way of spirituality. So these three areas should be active in our daily lives, and in His Order.

   Another last little sub-point. People can have an anointing and not use it wisely. Saul had a kingly anointing which was released or called forth by the prophet Samuel. He didn’t lose this anointing, even when being foolish. David said in 1 Samuel 26:23: I would not stretch forth my hand against the Lord’s anointed.” People can have anointings, and not use them well. The gifts are irrevocable. What we look for in great leaders is anointing and wisdom. Something to think about when choosing church leadership or your own mentors. It’s more than spiritual power, you are looking for. You are looking for Godly use of power—i.e. in service, humility and love.