S) "18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High."
Genesis 14:18 (NASB)
O) Melchizedek is another very mysterious person in biblical history. There are some references to him here in Genesis, and then again in Psalms. Then again, he is mentioned in the book of Hebrews. The driving characteristic is in his very name, as it actually means, "king of righteousness" but the time is also critical in the understanding. This meeting of Abram and Melchizedek took place hundreds of years before God's Law was written. His righteousnes and priesthood are both based on faith (see Hebrews 7). The example of Melchizedek also shows us the truth of Romans 1, where we read that the invisible attributes of God are plainly evident.
A) We don't know the details of his encounters with God, or what his relationship looked like, but the fact that he was called a priest shows us that it existed. This is a real comfort to me because, if all else fails and things in society deteriorate (thinking worst-case scenarios), nothing will take away my relationship with God. It is an obvious, tangible, serious blessing that I have my Bible, church body, Life Group, and all of those reliable tools in my Christian discipline and walk. But, even if all of those institutions were taken from me, like Melchizedek without an organized religion (so to speak), my faith in God, and the righteousness He gives because of it, and my relationship with Him; those things could never be taken.
A) We don't know the details of his encounters with God, or what his relationship looked like, but the fact that he was called a priest shows us that it existed. This is a real comfort to me because, if all else fails and things in society deteriorate (thinking worst-case scenarios), nothing will take away my relationship with God. It is an obvious, tangible, serious blessing that I have my Bible, church body, Life Group, and all of those reliable tools in my Christian discipline and walk. But, even if all of those institutions were taken from me, like Melchizedek without an organized religion (so to speak), my faith in God, and the righteousness He gives because of it, and my relationship with Him; those things could never be taken.
P) Father, the careful planning and execution of Your will continue to amaze me. You chose Melchizedek to be Your priest, at the same time that You chose Abram to be the forefather of Your chosen people. You set them both up, as examples of faith beyond the Law, taking precedence and superseding the Law. The details of the life of this righteous king may never be known to me, and may never benefit me; You know, Lord. But I pray that his example becomes an inspiration and comfort to me. Remind me that my faith and relationship with You is not because of the Bible, or because of a church, or worship service, or community. Let me continue to cherish those things, but remind me that the basis of our relationship is my faith in You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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