Melchizedek Points Us to Christ

Read Hebrews 7:1-10
Title in NIV: Priesthood of Melchizadek.

In this section the writer is trying to compare the priesthood of Melchizadek to the priesthood we have in Jesus. There are interesting similarities. Genesis 14:18-20 gives the account of Abram (later Abraham) giving a tenth to the king of Salem, Melchizadek.  (Keep in mind Levi is not born yet but there are priest.)

In the account of Mel (I'm going to call him Mel :)), he is called the king of Salem which means 'king of peace'. Jesus was called Prince of Peace in Isaiah 9:6.  Mel also means 'king of righteousness'. Jesus was the only one righteous. It is the state of being perfect. We are called to pursue righteousness in 1 Timothy 6:11. 

Mel is also called priest of God Most High. Remember in Hebrews 5 that priest are selected among men and called by God. Mel must have had admirable qualities to be called to the priesthood. Verse 4 asks us to contemplate how great Mel must have been to be a priest.

 God himself appointed Jesus to be our high priest. God said in Hebrew 5:6, "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." Mel seems to be similar to this 'forever' too. It seems his lineage cannot be traced. He seems to have no descendants of Levi. (Verse 4 says Levi was not even born yet at this point )There is no evidence of his mother or father, his beginning of days or end of life. Hebrews 7:3 says, "Just like the Son of God he remains a priest forever."

This is just some interesting similarities to think about. Some day, we'll get the whole story!
Blessings during this time of year!!