“For this Melchizedek, to whom also
Abraham apportioned a tenth part 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.” (v.2)
After
Abram valiantly rescued Lot, he was greeted by Melchizedek, “a leader without
genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the
Son of God, he remains a priest forever” (v.3). Melchizedek was both king and priest,
and he was a righteous and obedient servant of God. We aren’t provided with
many details about Melchizedek, but clearly he is important for us to
understand the nature of Jesus’ priesthood, His title and our faith.
Some
may be tempted to think that all faith in the history of creation springs from
Abraham, but they would be sorely mistaken. Abraham is a spiritual father, to
be sure. But he is not the author of our faith. In fact, Abraham recognized the
authority of Melchizedek above his own and paid a tithe to him accordingly (v.4).
Melchizedek provides evidence against anyone who would object to Christ’s
qualifications as high priest on the basis of His tribal lineage. While Jesus is
not his physical descendant, He is a priest of that order or of that nature,
independent of (and, the author argued, even superior to) the Levitical line
from which Hebrew priests were selected (v. 9). And unlike those priests, Jesus
is able to intercede continuously for those who come to God through Him.
In
today’s text we took a closer look at his (Melchizedek's) name and title meaning, king of
righteousness and king of peace (v. 2). How fitting that such an affiliation
would be bestowed on Jesus Christ, the source of our righteousness and the
Prince of Peace (Isa.9:6). And, Two thousand years later, we are still enjoying
the full benefits of Christ's death and the assurance of eternal life that His
resurrection brings us. Halellujah!
The
Truth
“For a child
will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on
His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal
Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
