Lighthouse scribes

We first hear of Melchizedek in Genesis 14. Abraham had rescued Lot, and coincidentally (spiritually orchestrated), this king of Salem, a priest of the Most High God, came with wine, bread, and a blessing for Abraham. Abraham then gave him a tenth of the loot from the exploit. From Genesis 1, we see a record of the genealogies of everyone who plays an important role in God’s story, but we never get to read of Melchizedek’s, even though he plays a vital role. Although renowned, there is no record of his ancestry, birth, or death, and his dual role of authority stands him out, just as Christ is both (eternal) king and priest. The writer of Hebrews makes certain facts clear about Melchizedek.

• Melchizedek means ‘King of righteousness’, and he was king of Salem, which means peace.
• Melchizedek was a priest of God who received tithe before the order of priesthood and tithing came to be, and when he blessed Abraham, the ancestor of Levitical priests, it signified that he was a man greater than Abraham.

The Hebrew Christians knew these facts about Melchizedek, and they understood well how to worship God under a Levitical system—his story helps to demonstrate the distinct roles of Christ. The declaration of Jesus, not just as a King but as a High Priest, was like throwing a wrench into the works of the religious order they were used to. This is why Melchizedek had to exist before Christ to be a type and a copy, a perfect example to explain to the Jewish believer how they could have a high priest who was not from the tribe of Levi and who would also hold the office of king. Just as no one knew the laws that made Melchizedek king, Christ did not become king by meeting the requirements set in the Old Testament. Christ was greater than Melchizedek.

The temporal versus the eternal

The temporal speaks of the Levitical priesthood set up under the law v. 18. The Bible says that it was cancelled because of its weakness and uselessness—its inability to justify the sinner before God (AMP). When God designated Christ as our high priest, it was with an oath. The place of Christ cannot be replaced or annulled. No office can be greater than it in drawing men to God. Christ lives on forever, and his priesthood is eternal. Under the law, men had to be appointed priests for as long as their lifetime, not Christ. He was our perfect sacrifice (1 Pet 1:19) and remains our perfect priest, king, and intercessor.

What Christ offers has not changed. Just as the Jewish Christians no longer needed a Levite High priest to intercede for them, we do not need any human being to intercede with God for our sins. John said, ‘If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises] and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].’ If we can go to Christ directly for forgiveness of sins, we can go to Him on any matter.

It’s also important to note why the writer had to make this clear to people who were already Christians. It’s because we can’t accept and worship God on our terms, but on who He says that He is. It was not okay for these Christians to believe in Jesus the Saviour and King, leaving out Jesus the High Priest. If they did so, it would not be hard to slip back into Judaism. It’s the same with us. If we don’t accept God for who He’s been revealed to be in the Bible, then we open our ears for the enemy to speak lies to us, just like He did in Eden.

Love,

Osi

P.S.

Have you wondered why Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth yet refused the King of Sodom’s gift? In Genesis 14:22–23, Abraham said, ‘I have raised my hand and sworn an oath to the Lord God Most High, the Creator and Possessor of heaven and earth, that I would not take anything that is yours, from a thread to a sandal strap, so you could not say, ‘I [the King of Sodom] have made Abram rich.’ These verses remind me of Proverbs 23:1-3. Abraham was a discerning man to know that the motive behind the offer was not right. He knew that God’s promises would be fulfilled in His life, but Abraham wasn’t eager to see them fulfilled by accepting any or every gift that he was offered.

P.S.S.

Abraham did not give to provoke a blessing. In the Genesis 14 account, the blessing came first. I know this is not about Genesis 14, but as Christians, we shouldn’t be giving to provoke anything. Christ gave EVERYTHING for us; if that isn’t enough, I don’t know what else will be. Instead, our giving should be a response to His love for us.