Who is Jesus? #92 (From the Apocalypse)

With all of this discussion about Jesus and His High Priesthood, I began to wonder if I even knew what the responsibilities of a priest were/are; at least what is recorded for us in scripture. II Chronicles 15:3 says that Israel had been "without a priest" for "a long time."
Introduction of the characters: Asa was king of the southern kingdom of Judah. Azariah was the son of the prophet, Obed, and brought the word of God to Asa. The priest? There was no priest in Israel. Israel was the northern kingdom, who under the reign of Jeroboam, separated itself from Judah under the reign of Rehoboam (both sons of King Solomon). Among the things that Azariah brought to Asa's attention was that Israel, the nothern kingdom, had no priest. Now what I find puzzling in this statement that there was no priest in Israel, is what we are told in I Kings 13:33,"...anyone who wanted to became a priest he (Jeroboam) consecrated for the high places." It looked like Jeroboam would let anyone become a priest. So how could the Bible say there was not a priest in Israel?
It appears obvious to me that what is meant is that there was not a God-appointed priest in Israel and hadn't been since the great division of the kingdom. So what happens when there is not a priest ordained by God among the people. In the case of the northern kingdom, the people started worshipping false god, building pagan temples, living in rebellion to God, etc.
So, somehow, the responsibilities of the priest are supposed to counteract all of this. Just because there is a priest, is there going to be complete obedience and faithfulness to God? No! But the High Priest must be present and fulfilling His responsibilities from God - and it will make a difference.
I have gone long enough today - more tomorrow.
Thank you Father, that you have not left us priestless.

Be Strong and Courageous,

L.T.