Reflections on Priesthood

            The Old Testament had two significant orders who represented the Lord to the people:  prophets and priests.  Aspects of each office carry over into the contemporary church:  prophets engaged the ministry of the Word and priests engaged in a liturgical service in the tabernacle.  Those aspects of their work carry over into the calling of New Testament pastors who are called to “preach the Word in its truth and purity and to administer the Sacraments according to Christ’s institution.”

            As I was thinking about the garments made for the high priest, I was thinking about my own office as pastor.  I was struck especially by the breastpiece with the 12 precious stones and the names of the sons of Israel.  Here’s the explanation The Lutheran Study Bible gives, “Precious stones covered the heart of the high priest, who bore them before God.  They showed how God regarded the tribes of Israel as precious” (141).  I am often struck by the way that the pastoral office means having the people of God in one’s heart and holding them in prayer in the presence of God.

            Then, I got to thinking:  this is the high priest’s garment.  Aaron’s sons didn’t dress like this.  In fact, pastors are undershepherds, servants of someone who does the work for real.  The book of Hebrews says that we have a great high priest, who knows our struggles (4:14-15).  And Paul declares—of that high priest, Jesus:  “Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Rom. 8:34).  So, Jesus is the One who bears all of us in His heart and holds us up constantly to the Father in His prayer.  He’s the One who declares, “Look how precious they are!”  And, not insignificantly, He’s the One who offers His life for our redemption (Christ the victim, Christ the priest!)

            I love my calling.  I love being a minister of Word and Sacrament.  I love the trust that is given me to hold this people before the Lord.  But I sure do take comfort in the fact that I am only a servant of the One who has done and continues to do the real work, who prays without ceasing, who never grows weary of doing good!