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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