Marvelous Mystery
Good Wednesday to you,
Mysteries can be exciting and frustrating all at the same time. They capture our imagination and draw us into the narrative—and the first thing we want to do is solve the biggest question—"who did it?" Or, in our cause on Sunday, who is this Melchizedek? Inquiring minds want to know.
In carefully reading the passage, we learn Melchizedek’s name means "King of Righteousness" and he is the "King of Salem." Salem is the Hebrew word for peace (or Shalom). We also learn he is a Priest of God Most High. The piece of the puzzle that makes Melchizedek so mysterious is Hebrews 7:3, "Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever." Coupled with a very quick appearance in Genesis 14, Melchizedek can seem more eerie than mysterious.
Keeping the big picture in mind as we pick up the clues on who this marvelous mystery man is, the author of Hebrews points to Melchizedek as a Priest of God Most High. How could Melchizedek be a Priest? He is not from the line of Aaron. But it was not possible—Aaron did not exist yet. The priestly laws were not in place when Abraham gave a tenth of the spoil to Melchizedek. Aaron is hundreds of years after Abraham! Even so, the author tells us, the patriarch of our faith, Abraham, honored Melchizedek as priest!
The role of Priest for Melchizedek did not depend on pedigree, but rather on character and calling. Likewise, Jesus also fills the role of Priest—not because of genealogy, but based on calling and character as the true (and final) King of Righteousness and Peace. Jesus is the one who Melchizedek is pointing us to for eternal peace. And we are blessed because through Jesus, the King of Righteousness, we gain access to peace!
Just as Melchizedek points us to Jesus, I hope you have taken the opportunity to share with someone how they have pointed you to Jesus this week. This coming Sunday, we pick up right where we left off with Hebrews 7:11-28.
Many of you have read and heard the impact of the Supreme Court rulings this past week. As our state continues to open sectors of the economy, we will continue to follow the guidelines of masks and social distancing. We will continue to livestream the 9:00 a.m. service and provide outdoor seating for both the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. service options. We know how important it is to gather together, be it online or in-person, and we will continue to create as many opportunities to that end.
Blessings,
Pastor John
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.
