God operates in multiple ways in the world. Even within the Scripture, we see Lord’s engagement with people of God in two distinct ways. They could be termed as Priestly Structure and Prophetic Structure.
Priestly Structure
The worship in the Temple or Tabernacle happened continuously through all generations in the Nation of Israel. The light will not go out, the bread was placed afresh every week, incense and sacrifices happened continuously. (Leviticus 24:2; Exodus 25:30; Exodus 30:8) The daily worship, sacrifices and offerings happened all day in the Temple until it was destroyed. The yearly feasts also were celebrated. The Word of God was read or taught in the Temple and synagogues. Most of the Jewish population were involved in it one way or the other.
Prophetic Structure
Yet, apart from ministering to people through the Temple, Lord used prophets who generally spoke outside the Temple precincts. They were vociferous, bold and spoke what God commanded them. Many of the prophets were persecuted. Lord Jesus Christ said: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, saying, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ (Matthew 23: 29-20)
Great Paradox
Zechariah, father of John the Baptist, belonged to the Priestly structure, while John the Baptist belonged to the Prophetic Structure. The angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist, when he was ministering in the Temple. (Luke 1: 5-23) In contrast John the Baptist chose wilderness not the Temple for his ministry and mission. He rejected all rituals in the Temple, created a new ritual of baptism. Zechariah was conservative, orthodox, while John the Baptist was a radical. Neither the chief priest, nor the Sanhedrin condemned Herod for his adultery; while John the prophet condemned him and was beheaded. (Luke 3:19; Matthew 14:3-5)
Do I recognize the Lord’s Priestly and Prophetic ministry in the world?