Word for Today: Thursday, January 10, 2013

Hebrews 7:1-14

Memory Verse Hebrews 7:2(KJV)

 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.

I hope everyone has been finding the book of Hebrews very interesting? Today, we are in the 7th Chapter. We have been studying about the supremacy of Jesus. Everyone should be aware by now that Jesus is greater than Angels, Prophets,  Moses, Joshua, Aaron and the levitcal Priests. He is our Great High Priest, representing us to the father.

In Chapter 6, we saw that the Priesthood of Jesus was likened to that of Melchizedek, and I know some people have been asking “Who is Melchizedek?” Well, today’s passage tells us who Melchizedek is.

The author had so much to tell the Hebrew Christians about the Priesthood of Jesus in Chapter 6 but he knew that they wouldn't be able to comprehend what he was about saying. He paused to address this issue. The main problem with the Jewish Christians was unbelief; they had doubted God so much that they were no longer interested in hearing his word. They had become dull of hearing. They were still babes feeding on milk, it was time for them to grow and start eating solid food.

Today’s passage puts a stamp on the authenticity of Jesus’ Priesthood. So, for those who have been saying Jesus cannot be a High Priest because he is from the tribe of Judah (Kingly Tribe) and not from the Tribe of Levi the Priestly Tribe), here is what the bible has to say. Jesus isn’t just a High Priest, he is our Great High Priest, greater than any High Priest and its only through him we can be saved. As we study at his feet today, may God open the eyes of our hearts to receive understand his word. And don’t forget to combine his word with faith. (Hebrews 4:2)

 Melchizedek, the Priest of The Most High God

Who is Melchizedek?

The first time I heard about this name was when a little boy was brought to my house to live with us. His name was Melchizedek; I was wondering what sort of name this was until my mom told me that the name was gotten from the bible and who Melchizedek is. That was how I got to know about Melchizedek.

The reason the author mentioned Melchizedek is to tell the Hebrews that there is another line of priesthood which is greater than the Levitical priesthood. As at the time Abraham paid his tithe to Melchizedek Levi was not born.

From Verses 1-3 we have a description of who Melchizedek is. (See also Genesis 14:18-22). Melchizedek was both a king of Salem and a priest of God most high.  That is strange, isn’t it? It is impossible for a king to function as both a King and a High Priest; well, it shows that Melchizedek wasn’t an ordinary man.

We can see the meaning of his name from Verse 2. Melchizedek means “King of righteousness” and King of Salem means “King of peace”. Remember the kingdom of God is righteousness, Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost.

The first tithe ever paid was made by Abraham to Melchizedek. We all know that Abraham is a great man and the father of all, including the Levites. Melchizedek was so great that Abraham had to pay his Tithe to him. Verses 4-10 tells us that Melchizedek is greater than Abraham and since Abraham could pay his tithe to Melchizedek, we can therefore say that Melchizedek is superior to the Levitical Priests because he was the priest that ministered to Abraham.

From the genealogy of Israel we know that the Levitical Priesthood have a history, upon the death of a Priest, the next in the family line succeeds him. Unlike the levitical priesthood that was based on genealogy, Melchizedek Priesthood wasn’t. According to Verse 3 he had no history, no genealogy and there was no record of his death or even an offspring. Because there is no record of Melchizedek’s death, it can be assumed that he never died.  In the same way Jesus became our Great High Priest not on the basis of his genealogy but on the basis of his resurrection.

From today’s study we were able to prove the Priesthood of Jesus. I know the Jews were really finding it hard to understand how Jesus became the great High Priest since he wasn't from the tribe of Levi. It was easy for them to quickly abandon their faith and run back to Judaism. Now, we understand why the author took his time to explain to the Jewish Christians who Jesus really is and that he is superior to Angels, Prophets, Moses, Joshua, Aaron and the levitcal Priests

As Christians we will be persecuted for our faith. Paul in 2 Tim 3:2 said that anyone who wants to live a godly live for Christ will be persecuted. No matter the Persecution you go through, remember you have a High Priest who understands your situation because he has been there before and he also sympathises with you. Don’t give up. Stand firm in the faith, there is a reward for those who run this Christian race to the end. God Bless.