May 28, 2025 | Be God's Family
Who is Melchizedek?
Scripture: Hebrews 7:1-10(NIV)
1 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, 2 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.” 3 Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.
4 Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! 5 Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham. 6 This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8 In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. 9 One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, 10 because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.
Devotional
Who is Melchizedek? Why is he mentioned in the Old Testament, Psalm 110 and the New Testament book of Hebrews? Think back to a time when you were exhausted from the battles of life, worked hard to rescue someone or needed to recover from personal loss. Who was there for you in these difficult times? Who blessed you? Did you find peace in the Lord Most High?
Today’s New Testament Hebrews’ reading takes us back to the OT book of Genesis (14:18-20). Melchizedek visits Abram (later known as Abraham) in the valley after an intense battle of 4 kings against 5 kings. Here, Melchizedek brings Abram bread, wine and a blessing. Exhaustion is replaced by peace as Abram communes with this mysterious priest of “God Most High” at the table of righteousness. Then, Abram brings a tithe to Melchizedek! This gift of 10% from Abram clues us to the spiritual importance of asking “so who is Melchizedek?” Shortly after this encounter with Melchizedek, the word of the Lord comes to Abram in a vision and a covenant is established. So, who is Melchizedek?
M
mysterious priest of God Most High “without father, mother, genealogy, beginning of days or end of life” (Heb. 7:3)
E
enters on our behalf. Jesus is the high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. Melchizedek “did not trace his descent from Levi;” He was before Levi. (Heb. 6:20 & 7:6)
L
“lesser person (Abram & his ancestors) is blessed by the greater” (High Priest to God) all because of Abram’s tithe. (Gen. 14:20) (Heb. 7:6-9)
C
Christ’s symbolic representation in the Old Testament or possibly Christ himself.
H
High Priest forever (Psalm 110:4) (Heb. 5:6)
I
Incarnation of Christ. Melchizedek’s name means “king of righteousness” (Heb 7:2)
Z
Zeal for blessing Abram and blessing God. (Gen. 14:19-20)
E
Eucharist-first communion in OT using bread and wine (Gen. 14:18)
D
Deliverer of peace after battles. Melchizedek differs from patriarchs, judges, kings and prophets that dealt with conflict and war as empires grew. (Gen. 14:20) (Heb. 7:1)
E
Eternal elements are demonstrated: victory, communion, blessings and tithe.
K
King of Salem (now called Jerusalem) and “king of peace.” (Heb. 7:2) (Gen. 14:18)
The mystery of “who is Melchizedek?” still exists, but there is no doubt his Biblical description reflects Jesus.
Poem
O You!
Psalm 104
All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things.
Psalm 104: 27-28
O You!
Who has not withheld
Your goodness
Your provision
Your protection
Your design
Your bounty
From each parcel of land
From each seed-bearing plant
From each winged-one on its nest
From each swimming beast in the waters
From each crawling thing above and below
From each roaming beast traversing the sphere
From each molecule, ion, atom, minute being unseen
From each rhythm, dance, timed element in the depths and heights
From me, even me, whom You have loved and sacrificed for my salvation
How could I
Not praise
Not give
Not extend
Not embrace
Not believe
Not see
Not hear
Not delight
Not be awed
By Your love and grace?
Here.
A small
An insignificant
An offering
A tithe
To bless You
Which blesses me
In the giving
In the sharing
In the joy of
O You!
