A Better Order

Today’s reading is Leviticus 19-20 and Hebrews 7.

I listen to a podcast my company publishes and a gentleman who is commonly on there likes to say, “I’m a fan of interesting things.” For me, I would put our reading today in Hebrews 7 about Melchizedek in the category of ‘interesting things.’ We first learn about Melchizedek in Genesis 14:17-20 when Abraham meets him and gives him one tenth of everything after winning a big victory in battle to rescue his nephew Lot and the people of Sodom. If you are like me, you may have read this in Genesis before and not really understood the significance of this King Melchizedek and who he was. We find out later in Psalm 110:4 that the Messiah will come from his order (or pattern) and in our reading today in Hebrews 7 we learn about some of the uniqueness of Melchizedek. The timing of this assigned chapter in Hebrews to me for this post is also interesting since our small group is currently reading Learn the Bible in 24 Hours by Chuck Missler where he discusses this topic and where I received some of my information. I was not familiar with this previously and found it particularly fascinating when it was covered in his book.

What is so unique about Melchizedek? We are told in Genesis 14:17-20 that he is both a king and a priest. That may not mean much to most of us, but it does to Bible scholars and others with great biblical knowledge. Centuries later Jewish priests came from tribe of Levi and the order of Aaron. They were not kings. One was never both a priest and a king. We know from the Old Testament the Messiah and king would come from the tribe of Judah in Genesis 49:10 and then later in Revelation 5:5. But, Melchizedek was both the king of Salem and a priest which is unique. Psalm 110:4 tells us the Messiah will be “a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”  The Messiah will be both our king and high priest.

The writer of Hebrews expands on this and its importance. He states Melchizedek, king of Salem from Genesis, has no ancestral line and is from eternal descent (Hebrews 7:3).  Priests from the tribe of Levi or the order (pattern) of Aaron were born and died and while they took sacrifices for the atonement of their sins and their people’s sins, we are told here in Hebrews 7 this was imperfect and not sufficient because they were mortal. We needed a better atonement and covenant for the forgiveness of our sins from a Messiah who was not from a mortal order (pattern) of Levi/Aaron, but from the eternal order (pattern) of Melchizedek. This is described throughout Hebrews 7, but you can look particularly at Hebrews 7:21-24 and Hebrews 7:26-30.

I mentioned early I would put this in the category of ‘interesting things.’ Remember that Jerusalem did not exist when Abraham lived, but most scholars agree Salem, where Melchizedek was king, is now Jerusalem and the valley of Shaveh where they had this encounter is right next to Jerusalem. I did not find this highlighted in any of my research, but personally I find it interesting that Melchizedek brought Abraham bread and wine (Genesis 4:18) which was later what Jesus would say was representative of his body and blood given on the cross in the Last Supper and Communion which we take as a reminder still today. Abraham also gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything (Genesis 4:20), even though a tithe, 1/10 of everything, was not mentioned until the law was given to Moses later in Leviticus 27:30.

As we close this learning about the order of Melchizedek out, it is important that we underscore again what the author of Hebrews wanted us to know which my brother Chad highlighted in his post from Monday (https://www.biblejournal.net/2024/02/19/our-daily-walk/). Although Jesus was from the eternal order of Melchizedek, we know he came down to be with us as human and even as high priest we are told in Hebrews 4:14-15 He can sympathize and understands all the challenges and temptations we face. Yet, Jesus did not sin which makes him the perfect propitiation for our sins (1 John 2:1-2). For this, let us give thanks and celebrate Him today!

Branch of the Lord

“In that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and honor of the survivors of Israel.”

Isaiah 4:2

In Isaiah’s prophetic writing about our Savior Jesus, he refers to Him as “the branch of the Lord.” This reminds us Jesus is in fact deity and from the direct lineage of God the Father. Romans 3:23-26 discusses how all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and how Jesus came as the “propitiation” of sin. He takes our place so God forgets and forgives all our past sins. I’ve mentioned it before, but many non-Christians say they just can’t believe because why would God…king and ruler of all…do that? Or put in another way..they wouldn’t do that if they were God. Well..that’s just it..we are not God..thankfully!

Just this last week yet another scandal in major league baseball was revealed, with one very outspoken Christ follower being accused of some very serious cheating showing once again that even as Christians we can be tempted to win at all costs wanting the praise and the glory. This also proves once again that it’s hard for us to fathom what God did through Jesus in humbly submitting and bearing the burden for sin that should have been ours.

Yet, these verses tell us, “the branch of the Lord” will take his rightful place on the throne and receive all the glory and praise for His sacrifice at the end of days when He comes again. This past Sunday at Eastview Christian Church, Pastor Mike Baker discussed how scientists estimate there are over 100 billion stars and galaxies. Today’s verse and Revelation 5:13 tell us He will get the glory in the end.

And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To Him who sits on the throne and the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever.”

Revelation 5:13

If those 100 billion stars and galaxies and everything in them will ultimately bow down to Him some day, then “So Will I”….

 

Atoning Sacrifice

He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:2

For all our offenses, Jesus came. Our debt has been covered.  As I reflect on this verse I can think about the guilt many can have from past sin.  Thankfully our advocate we have is Jesus who tells us He came and suffered for the sins of our past, present, and future.  The debt he paid was for you, me, and everyone.  One day when we come face to face with him we can wrap our arms around Him and thank Him as he welcomes us home.

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins 1 John 4:10

Jesus ever lives to make intercession for those that come to believe in God through him.  We are all sinners in need of a savior.  The price has already been paid.  It can be hard to forgive yourself, it can even be harder to forgive others at times.  Still, all the sins of all the people paid in full by Jesus, our atoning sacrifice.  No one is beyond forgiveness.

Dear God,

Thank you for sending your son Jesus to be the atoning sacrifice for us.  The sacrifice he made for all of us we didn’t deserve, still, he submitted himself for us paying off all our debts.  God, I pray for those who don’t know you and understand the forgiveness promised we help share this truth.   Help us to continue to turn from sin and when we do fall short turn to you for forgiveness.  God help us to commit our heart to you and not to ourselves or this world.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45