Page 146 - Through New Eyes

Man: The Agent of Transformation 141
The King’s Friend was his closest privy, counselor (1 Kings
4:5; 2 Samuel 15:32 – 17:15; 1 Chronicles 27:33), which explains
the full depth of the statement that Abraham was God’s Friend
(James 2:23; 2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; Genesis 18:17). In
the New Covenant, al} are made King’s Friends by baptism.
There is an historical progression, thus, in the Scripture. We
see this in an interesting note in 1 Samuel 9:9, “Formerly in
Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he used to say,
‘Come, let us go to the seer’; for today’s prophet was formerly
called a seer.” A seer was not a Council member. He was one
who knew God’s will and proclaimed it, but without being con-
sulted. At the time of the inauguration of kingship in Israel,
there was simultaneously an elevation of the seer to prophet.
This historical progression in Israel shows the pattern of
maturation for the individual as well. In the area of prophecy,
men go from being hearers of God’s Word, to seers who explain
God’s Word, and finally to prophets who are consulted by God.
God hears the prayers of all, of course; but in the fullest sense,
being a prophet is a privilege of maturity.
In the area of kingship, men start out as students, learning
about the world. Then they become warriors, fighting for God
by serving others. In Israel’s history, this corresponds to the per-
iod of the Judges. Finally they become kings, giving direction to
human life and society.
Finally, in the area of priesthood, men start out as followers,
led to worship by the priests of the church. They can then be-
come deacons (Levites), who assist in leading men before God.
Finally, they can become elders, or priests in the fullest sense.
It is the destiny of all redeemed men to become prophets,
priests, and kings in the fullest sense, though not all serve in offi-
cial capacities in church or state.

Conclusion
Man was designed by God to be His agent for the glorifica-
tion of the world. As men matured in their tasks, however, they
themselves would also grow from glory to glory, as prophets,
priests, and kings. Though sin sought to wreck God’s design,
through Jesus Christ we have been put back on track. May God
raise up a generation of mature Christians who can see the world
as it truly is, and serve it according to His will.