Saturday, February 23, 2013

Melchizedek



 Melchizedek – A Royal Priest

Melchizedek was a priest, the king of Salem. (Jerusalem) From the early writings of the Old Testament, we are told that the city of Jerusalem would be the scene of the redemption of the world. David, writing close to 1,000 years before Christ sees Jesus as the world’s redeemer.

Melchizedek was the king-priest of God in the Old Testament. He was greater than Abraham, Moses and David. Jesus finds Himself in line with this special priest. The priests of the Old Testaments came from the tribe of Levi. Jesus comes from the tribe Judah. And Moses never said anything about there being any priests in this tribe.  How is Jesus a better priest? 

In the past, men who became priests, each of them died, so none of them could keep on being the Head Priest forever. Jesus is different. He won’t give His position of Head Priest to someone else, because He lives forever. He is always able to save those who come to God through Him. He is always praying for them. Jesus is the perfect priest. He is the one we need. He is holy, without sin, spotless, far removed from sinful men, lifted up far above the heavens.  He didn't have to bring God sacrifices every day for His own sins first, and then for the sins of the people. He made just one sacrifice for all sin when He offered Himself. The Law appointed human beings who have faults and weaknesses to be priests. Jesus is different. God appointed Him as priest forever. And to this very hour, He intercedes for you!

Almighty God, grant to Your Church Your Holy Spirit and the wisdom that comes down from above, that Your Word may be bound but have free course and be preached to the joy and edifying of Christ’s holy people, that in steadfast faith we may serve You and in the confession of Your name, abide unto the end; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Halley’s Bible Handbook An Abbreviated Bible Commentary Twenty-Third Edition, © 1962 Zondervan Grand Rapids, MI
Collect for the Church, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis

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