Today’s devotion comes from Hebrews 7:1-10.
“1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. 3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually.
4 Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the choicest spoils. 5 And those indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest’s office have commandment in the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their brethren, although these are descended from Abraham. 6 But the one whose genealogy is not traced from them collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed the one who had the promises. 7 But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8 In this case mortal men receive tithes, but in that case one receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives on. 9 And, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, paid tithes, 10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.” Hebrews 7:1-10.
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“Now observe how great this man (Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God) was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the choicest spoils.” Verse 4. We make this observation, because Jesus was “according to the likeness of Melchizedek”, Hebrews 7:15. “For it is attested of Him (Jesus),
“You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 7:17.
We will focus on three things concerning Melchizedek which is like Jesus. Our goal is to observe how great Christ is through Melchizedek, a shadow or type of Christ.
First, the translation of Melchizedek’s name is “king of righteousness” and “king of peace”. Verse 2. Like Mechizedek, Jesus is the “Prince of Peace” who became to us “righteousness”.
Isaiah 9:6
“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
1 Corinthians 1:30
“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,”
Second, “Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually.” Verse 3. Like Mechizedek seemed to be, Jesus is eternal. Here is part of Calvin’s commentary about this verse:
“… Now, as the Holy Spirit in mentioning this king, the most illustrious of his age, is wholly silent as to his birth, and makes afterwards no record of his death, is not this the same thing as though eternity was to be ascribed to him? And what was shadowed forth in Melchisedec is really exhibited in Christ. It behooves us then to be satisfied with this moderate view, that while Scripture sets forth to us Melchisedec as one who had never been born and never died, it shows to us as in a mirror, that Christ has neither a beginning nor an end. …” Click here: Commentary on Hebrews – Christian Classics Ethereal Library
The importance of a high priest being eternal is seen in Question and Answer 17 of the Heidelberg Catechism:
Question 17. Why must he in one person be also very God?
Answer. That he might, by the power of his Godhead sustain in his human nature, the burden of God’s wrath; and might obtain for, and restore to us, righteousness and life.
Third, Melchizedek received “spoils” also known as “tithes” also known as gifts. Like Mechizedek, Jesus received “spoils” (which is also known as booty – see Isaiah 53:12 below) also known as “tithes” (through the tithes given to His body, the church) also known as gifts.
Isaiah 53:12
“Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great, And He will divide the booty with the strong; Because He poured out Himself to death, And was numbered with the transgressors; Yet He Himself bore the sin of many, And interceded for the transgressors.”
Matthew 2:11
“After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures,
they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
Hebrews 2:10
“For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in
bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings.”
In conclusion, as a result of His guilt offering, Jesus will receive His offspring and be satisfied.
“10 But the Lord was pleased
To crush Him, putting Him to grief;
If He would render Himself as a guilt offering,
He will see His offspring,
He will prolong His days,
And the good pleasure of the Lord will prosper in His hand.
11 As a result of the anguish of His soul,
He will see it and be satisfied;
By His knowledge the Righteous One,
My Servant, will justify the many,
As He will bear their iniquities.” Isaiah 53:10-11.
Revelation 4:11
“
Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”
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