January / February 2025 Volume 107, Number 1

In the Beginning – Developing the Priesthood

In This “Developing the Priesthood” issue reminds us of what we must learn now in order to become a priesthood to bless all families of the earth in Christ’s Kingdom. read more

The Priesthood Typified – Preparing a Priesthood

A key to understanding God’s Plan is recognizing that there are two dis­tinct ages of redemption — the pres­ent Gospel Age with its heavenly calling, and the approaching Millennial Kingdom with its earthly hope. In each of these two ages of re­demption, those called are reconciled to God by the work of a priest, or priesthood, bring­ing the called ones to God, and cleansing them from the propensity for sin. … read more

Priests to be Good and Honest Examples – Lead by Example

Jesus came to give his life a ransom for all (1 Timothy 2:6) and, during his three‑and‑one‑half‑year ministry, showed how a faithful follower must live in service to Jehovah. His example gives us a model for transform­ing our lives into an acceptable sacrifice (Ro­mans 12:1‑2). Likewise, those following Jesus should be examples for other true believers (1 Timothy 4:12). … read more

Priests to Teach What is Good – Teach Blessings, not a Curse

The priesthood (high priest Aaron and his sons) was commanded to “make a distinction between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean; and that ye may teach the children of Is­rael all the statutes which Jehovah hath spoken unto them by Moses” (Leviticus 10:10-11). Priests1 had the book of the Law of Jehovah; they, and others, “went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught among the people” (2 Chronicles 17:8-9). … read more

Priests Must Learn Sympathy – From the Heart

“Compassion is at the core of all Chris­tianity. It is at the core of all we hold noble, it is the quality that makes all of life’s affairs bearable and even beautiful. It is a quality in most humanity that gives us belief that humanity is recoverable” (Eugene Burns). … read more

News and Views – Current Events

Today in Prophecy – The Millennium Project

“I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13, 14 ESV). … read more

Priests Must Develop Self Control – First Control Self

In biblical context, subjection refers to the act of submitting to God’s authority and sur­rendering one’s will to His divine plan and purpose. Subjection requires self control, and discipline. … read more

Priests Must Be Faithful – Faithful unto Death

The position held by the priesthood was critical to the well-being and survival of the Nation of Israel. Although the king might make essential national decisions, wheth­er good or bad, the priest in his role could also make or break the country. … read more

Priests Must Develop Mercy and Love – Learn the Lesson Well

In his first letter to the church, “to God’s elect” (1 Peter 1:1 NIV), the Apostle Peter writes, “you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priest­hood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ,” and “you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5, 9). In Hebrews, Jesus is repeatedly described as our “high priest.” … read more

The Priesthood to Bless the People – Do Good to be Blessed

Priests have two duties: first, to sacrifice; then to bless others.  The future priesthood sacrifices itself now in this age. “Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with be by sacrifice” (Psalm 50:5). When the peo­ple of the world are resurrected, they will well remember those who were faithful to Christ unto death. … read more

A Great Multitude Also Serves – In the Temple and Before the Throne

“A great multitude, which no man could number” (Revelation 7:9).

Melchizedek, Priest and King – An Early Priest Upon His Throne

About four millennia ago, it appears that the Sumerian king of the third dynasty of Ur, named Ur‑Nammu, sent some of his citizens, including Terah and family, to the western territory he (and his three allies) had just conquered. Whether as an occupation force or commercial post is not stated. The for­mer is more likely, in that Abram later had 318 “trained men” (Genesis 14:14). … read more