Devotionals

MELCHIZEDEK Why is He so Important? Part One

by Henry Jaegers
04/15/20
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MELCHIZEDEK

Why is He so  Important?

Part One

For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;  To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. (Hebrews 7:1-4)

In our previous studies, the apostle was unable to elaborate in any detail concerning this person "Melchizedek".

He realized that the people to whom he was speaking would have been confused upon receiving this message because they lacked understanding and experience. It appears that the apostle is now ready to progress into a deeper, more fuller presentation of this man "Melchizedek".

In chapter 5 we gave reference to the prophecy given by God in Psalm 110, that Jesus his son, would be a priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Although there is not a lot of scripture concerning him, Hebrews chapter 7 gives us greater detail as to why and how the priesthood of Jesus is after the order of Melchizedek. In verse one notice what we are told about him.

First, we are told that he was the king of Salem (later called Jerusalem).

Next, we are told, that he was a priest of the most high God.

Third, we are given the circumstances of his arrival.

It took place after the rescue of his nephew Lot from the kingdoms who had him captive. Abraham with his smaller band of men was able to accomplish this great victory.

Now we can only imagine why this king happens to appear before Abraham at this particular time. By using a little imagination, and I must emphasize that's what it is, we might say when Abraham attempted to feel quite exalted over the deliverance that God gave to him over these kings, another king different from these appears to him. He was not a king of wickedness like the ones that Abraham defeated, but he was a king of righteousness. Now that is a different kind of king and that's who it was who appeared to Abraham.

We are told after introducing Melchizedek as the king of Salem, and mentioned that it meant "king of peace". He is also called in these verses, "king of righteousness". Again we consider this as significant for this Melchizedek is mentioned as a priest of the most high God, King of peace, and King of righteousness.

At this point, I must mention that some have gone to some extreme to try to prove that this was the pre-incarnate Christ who is visiting Abraham at this time. All of this is possible but such an interpretation is more opinion than fact.

The thing that is most important to think about is the three things are characteristic of those who represent the kingdom of heaven. The proof of Melchizedek's authority was found in these three qualities authority, peace, and righteousness. All of these qualities in Melchizedek are evident qualities in our Lord Jesus Christ who is able to transfer the same qualities to those of us who are his servants.

Continuing on, what else are we told? Having neither father, mother, descendants or anything that can be traced as to his origin. By this, we are not saying that he did not have any of these, perhaps this is where the confusion may come, but what the verse is telling us is, that Abraham had no knowledge of these. As far as he was concerned, these items were nonexistent because they were not significant in his mind.

We shall go further in our explanation but for now, we will end with this conclusion. We are showing that the characteristics of Jesus’ ministry were like that of Melchizedek. Having no descendency speaks of his eternal character. Without beginning and without end is still maintaining a continual priesthood as Melchizedek did. It was not a priesthood after the order of men like Aarons was. It was of a higher order and was established by God alone and was in the heart of God even from the very beginning of time. Now that's something to consider!