Saturday, August 28, 2021

Today's Passage - Hebrews 7:1-3

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english
Hebrews 7:1-3
This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means "king of righteousness"; then also, "king of Salem" means "king of peace."  Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.
This passage is somewhat difficult to interpret. What kind of person is Melchizedek? Although he was a king in the Old Testament, he also foretold Jesus Christ. Verse one says that he was the king of Salem, and Salem means peace, therefore his title was king of peace, which foretold Jesus Christ as the king of peace. The Bible tells us that "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Jesus is the origin of peace, and through Him people can receive peace from God. John 14:27 says that the peace He gives us is different from the peace of the world. Those who are in Him and pleads Him will receive peace that surpasses understanding. 
.
Melchizedek is also the "priest of God Most High." The job of a priest is to manage all things of God and seek redemption for people. In the Old Testament time, priests first received annoying through a ritual, then they take the position. Melchizedek is the priest of God, but he wasn't anointed like Aaron. So, he didn't receive his position through anointing like Aaron, but God anointed and appointed him in a unique method. In the same way, Jesus is also the priest of God Most High, but He wasn't anointed according to the law, but instead He was appointed by God in a different way - Through the Spirit of resurrection, so that He might become high priest forever. 
.
Melchizedek also blessed Abraham. In Genesis 14:8-20, after Abraham defeated four kings, the first one who welcome him back was the king of Sodom, but Abraham refused to accept any gift from the king of Sodom. Later on, Melchizedek welcome Abraham with bread and wine so that Abraham and his people could regain their strength. Melchizedek blessed Abraham so that Abraham could be blessed in body and spirit. This shows that Christ is the high priest who cares about our weaknesses. He often supports us and gives us strength when we are tired. He often receives the believers who overcome sin and reject temptation from the world with spiritual blessings, and give them even more strength. 
.
Melchizedek not only blessed Abraham, he also accepted a tithe from Abraham, which mean he had a higher position than Abraham. If Abraham offered tithe to Melchizedek, isn't Christ also worthy of our tithe? In the New Testament, not only should be offer one tenth, Romans 12:1 says that we ought to offer all that we have like a living sacrifice before God's altar, so that He can use us. Melchizedek foretold the Lord's work in our lives, so let us solely look upon Jesus!
Pray with Pastor Tong
Lord, we thank you, because through Melchizedek you've shown us that you are the origin of peace, the high priest who cares for us, and the Lord who's worthy of our offering and worship. May you be with us and be our strength and help in our daily life. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!
River of Life Christian Church | office@rolcc.net | ROLCC Website

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.