May 22 WHAT GOD DOES!
THE CHOSEN!
WHO THE HECK IS MELCHIZEDEK?
Scripture Verse to Remember: 1 Peter 2:9
….., for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 5:6-10
6 And in another passage God said to him, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” 7 While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. 8 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. 9 In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him. 10 And God designated him to be a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Gospel Story: Genesis 14 :17-24
Reflection: Why is it important to know who Melchizedek is? Because the author of Hebrews says that Jesus has a really important God connection with him, let’s get to know some things about Melchizedek.
He only shows up twice in the Bible. Here in Genesis 14 and in a prophetic word that God gives to David in a song in Psalm 110:4. Three times if you count how Hebrews talks about Melchizedek.
He’s both a King and a Priest. This was before Israel had any Kings or Priests. He was the King of Salem. The name of his Kingdom was Salem (later called Jerusalem). “Salem” means Peace. His name Melchizedek mean Righteousness. So using his names he is both the King of Righteousness and Peace. I mentioned the Bible, in Genesis 14, also tells us that He was a Priest of the Most High God. Amazingly, the same God as Abraham. And as a priest he came with, get this, Bread and Wine and a blessing. (hint, hint, wow). And Abraham not only received a blessing he gave a tithe (no law at this time) to honour this King/Priest. WOW!
Here is another cool fact about Melchizedek, the bible lets us know he’s a real person, but he is also a real mystery. In the bible the kings and priests were clearly defined by who their mom’s and dads were. Long lists of family trees (genealogy) proved why Priests and Kings could be in their jobs! Not Melchizedek! There is nothing in the bible to say where Melchizedek came from, no beginning and no end. And with no beginning and no end he remains a King and a Priest forever!
These things we learn about Melchizedek will help us make the connection to Jesus that God makes! And that’s pretty cool.
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