As a Leader What is Your Understanding Regarding the Example and Pattern Set by Melchizedek?

May 05 2023 Published by admin under Uncategorized

Who is this slightly mysterious but intriguing character called Melchizedek? Over these past weeks in my reading and study of the letter to the Hebrew Christians, or the early Messianic Jews, I have been drawn to consider the importance of this figure.Melchizedek holds the position and role and job of king and priest. As a leader he is someone from whom we can learn much.Later, God made the tribe of Judah produce the kings of Israel and the tribe of Levi the priests, but here is the city of peace being ruled over by a king of peace who is a priest.At first Jerusalem was for everybody.It was not only for Jews, and at the end it will be for everyone.To have a city of peace, you require a king of righteousness, and that makes us think of these words which the angels spoke when Jesus Christ was born; “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace”. That has to be the order. God has to come first and then peace will follow, and it has to be the God as revealed in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, because he is the one and only true God there is!When man gives glory to Almighty God, there will be peace. Try it in your own life and discover its wonderful consequences.There is no reference to Melchizedek’s mother or father or to any children or to the date of his birth. These omissions are highly significant. We read about him in Genesis Chapter 14 and in Hebrews Chapter 7, and he is mentioned in the Psalms too.When God does not say something it is important.When you read somebody’s references, and C.V., the employer will note what is not said as well as what is said.Only Jesus Christ was Great High Priest after the order of Melchizedek. He is a priest who continues and he goes on being a priest for ever.In Hebrews Chapter 7 verses 4 to 10, we read of the relationship between Abraham and Melchizedek. Melchizedek blesses Abraham, as the greater blesses the lesser, and Abraham gave Melchizedek a tithe.You give a tithe to one greater than yourself.We must not be legalistic about tithing but it is another very ancient sacred privilege, going back 4,000 years, and giving our offerings should be done reverently as part of our worship as we acknowledge our Great High Priest.Melchizedek gave Abraham his blessing. He had more to give than Abraham had. He is the king of righteousness.What might this have to teach us? In which areas of our lives might this personality give us real meaningful and relevant help?Melchizedek also took bread and wine. This is a practice which is very ancient, going back these four thousand years and Jesus Christ gave these elements of bread and wine such a new and profound significance at the Passover meal just hours before He was taken away to be crucified.David looked back to Melchizedek too. This character emerges and disappears but his significance is recorded by Almighty God in His Holy Word and that should make us give heed and pay attention to the role and importance of his appearing.Sandy Shaw

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