In The Word
Read: Hebrews 7:1-14
Melchizedek’s Priesthood like Christ’s
7 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. 3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually.
4 Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the choicest spoils. 5 And those indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest’s office have a commandment in the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their countrymen, although they are descended from Abraham. 6 But the one whose genealogy is not traced from them collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed the one who had the promises. 7 But without any dispute the lesser person is blessed by the greater. 8 In this case mortal men receive tithes, but in that case one receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives on. 9 And, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, has paid tithes, 10 for he was still in the loins of his forefather when Melchizedek met him.
11 So if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also. 13 For the one about whom these things are said belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses said nothing concerning priests.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
One of the great mysteries of the scriptures is that of Melchizedek, king of Salem. Today’s reading explains that, while his name means “king of righteousness,” nothing is known about his origin and death. Melchizedek’s story, introduced in Genesis 14, describes his encounter with Abraham on his way back from Hebron. He pronounced a blessing over Abraham and provided food and wine for a sacred meal.
Hebrews 7:4 tells us that this is similar to the Son of God. Though Jesus was born of Mary, His beginning is not found there. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (NASB). We all know after His death Jesus was resurrected, unlike the gods other religions choose to worship. Jesus, our priest, is from everlasting to everlasting.
Hebrews 6:20 says, “Where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” This is something we can get excited about, because if Melchizedek blessed Abraham, how much more will the perfect priest in Jesus bless us? Our High Priest is eternal and has made the perfect sacrifice for us once and for all. We have a privilege to honor Him and bless Him with our substance. For our Priest and King is worthy of blessings and honor!