Melchizedek

Melchizedek: High Priest of God

Key Verse(s):

Hebrews 7:1-4 (NIV)

1This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, 2and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, his name means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” 3Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever.

4Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder!

Fast Facts:

1.       His name means “king of righteousness.”

2.       He was king of Salem, which means “king of peace.” Salem was the site of the future Jerusalem.

3.       He was priest of God Most High (Genesis 14:18).

4.       As the greater to the lesser, He conferred a blessing upon Abraham (Genesis 14:19).

5.       Abraham paid tithe to him (Genesis 14:18-20).

6.       He is without genealogy (Hebrews 7:3).

7.       He has the honor of being called a “great man” in God’s Word (Hebrews 7:4).

8.       He is a “type” of Christ. Some believe he actually was the preincarnate Christ.

9.       He is said to be eternal (Hebrews 7:3), a priest forever (Psalm 110:4), and a heavenly king (Hebrews 8:1).

Life Lessons:

1.       Worship of the Most High God unites people.

2.       God speaks to us through others.

3.       God establishes priestly and political authorities for our good.

4.       God uses people and places to work salvation for mankind.

Application:

1.       Let God minister to you through others.

2.       Trust God to be at work in history.

3.       Trust Christ to be both priest and king after the order of Melchizedek.