“And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was” (Hebrews 5:4).
Unlike political figures, celebrities, corporate executives, or others who might aspire to a higher status, the office of an Old Testament priest was not an upwardly mobile position. The following commentator details the line of priestly succession beginning with Abraham, the great Old Testament man of faith…
“All the priests came from Jacob, Abraham’s grandson, whose name was changed to Israel. All the priests came from Levi, one of Israel’s thirteen sons. God set the tribe of Levi apart as a tribe committed to His service and as representatives of the whole nation (Exodus 13:2; Numbers 3:40-41).
Aaron’s family and their descendants made up the priests and the high priest, those able to serve in the tabernacle itself and to offer sacrifice to God. The high priest was generally the eldest son of Aaron, except if they disqualified themselves like Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-3) or according to the regulations of Leviticus chapter 21.” (1)
Although the office of High Priest eventually devolved into a patronage position, (2) the author of Hebrews did not acknowledge that arrangement. Instead, he recognized the priestly ministry as an honor and responsibility that was bestowed upon these leaders by God Himself. That honor and responsibility has also been conferred upon those who follow Christ today…
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
Much like the priests of the Old Testament who represented others before God, that important responsibility also extends to God’s people today. The New Testament book of 2 Corinthians addresses that privilege in the following manner…
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:18-20 NIV).
So while modern-day Christians are far removed from the example of an Old Testament priest, each carries a similar responsibility. Therefore, we should fulfill that leadership role (in whatever form it takes) in serving as God’s ambassadors and ministers of reconciliation.
(1) Guzik, Dave, Hebrews 5 – Jesus, A Priest Forever https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/hebrews-5/
(2) See Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary [Hebrews 5:4]