Grace & Truth: Prophets, Priests, and Kings

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - We want (need) a perfect prophet, priest, and king. 

TEXT - 2 Chronicles 25:2: “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.”

1. The disappointing legacy of the kings.

A. The king's job description.

·        Honor God.

·        Maintain covenant faithfulness.

·        Protect the people.

B. Bad kings.

·        Omri: But Omri did evil in the eyes of the Lord and sinned more than all those before him.” 1 Kings 16:25

·        Ahab: “Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him.” 1 Kings 16:30

C. Good kings.

·        Saul: “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” 1 Samuel 15:11

·        Amaziah: “He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly.” 2 Chronicles 25:2

·        David: “I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” Acts 13:22

2. The disappointing legacy of the priests.

A. The priestly job description.

·        Honor God.

·        Promote faithfulness.

·        Make sacrifices.

B. Good priests.

·        Aaron: “Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded them.” Exodus 7:6

·        Zadok: “(They) who were faithful in serving and did not go astray.” Ezekiel 48:11

C. Bad priests.

·        Nadab and Abihu: “Nadab and Abihu died when they made an offering before the Lord with unauthorized fire.” Numbers 26:61

·        Uriah: “Uriah the priest did just as King Ahaz had ordered.” 2 Kings 16:16

3. The disappointing legacy of the prophets.

A. The prophetic job description.

·        Honor God.

·        Covenant watchdog.

·        Guide to repentance.

B. Good prophets.

·        Moses: "There has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face." Deut. 34:10

·        Samuel: “All Israel gathered for his funeral.” 1 Sam. 25:1

·        Elijah: “Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.” 2 Kings 2:11

C. Bad prophets.

·        Balaam: “I have sinned.” Numbers 22:34

·        450 Prophets of Baal: “They shouted. But there was no response; no one answered.” 1 Kings 18:26

4. The perfect king, priest, and prophet.

A.  Jesus reigns as the perfect king, establishing God's reign of righteousness and justice.

B.   Jesus the great high priest (and sacrificial lamb) reconciles us to God through his sacrifice and intercession.   

C.  Jesus the faithful prophet, reveals God's perfect will to guide us into flourishing. 

D.  What epitaph would you give to Jesus?