Our Royal Priesthood

1 Peter 2:9-10 NKJV
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; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

Numbers 18:7 NIV
I am giving you the service of the priesthood as a gift.

Numbers 18:7 NKJV
I give your priesthood to you as a gift for service, but the outsider who comes near shall be put to death.

We must consider our “priesthood” over our family/community as a gift from God.
I like the NKJV version because it emphasizes the the gift is given for service. It is bestowed by God to be acted upon, to be exercised (and this must be done in God’s strength, not our own). - JSS