Hebrews 7:1-10

Be Still: Jesus, open my eyes to see you rightly today. As I spend time in your Word, would you transform my heart and mind. Come and have your way. Amen

Read: Hebrews 7:1-10

This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever. (v1-3)

Encounter: If you’ve been following our reading of Hebrews, you’ve probably asked yourself ‘Who on earth is Melchizedek?’. A mysterious character referenced several times by Paul, with limited explanation (thanks Paul), and yet it’s made clear that he has something to reveal to us of who Jesus is. So who is he?

We discover that we’ve actually seen him before – back in Genesis 14, where he encounters Abraham, the original receiver of the covenant and blesses him. He is described as both king and priest and appears to have no beginning or end. Sound familiar? 

This mysterious figure reveals to the readers, then and now, what kind of high priest Jesus really is. In the Old Testament, the high priest acted as mediator or ‘go between’ for God and his people. They were responsible for ‘making things right’, by offering sacrifices to atone for sin, allowing the people to draw near to God. 

However, Jesus is not like the levitical priests who have come before, who were limited by daily sacrifices, rules and regulations. He is so much better! Instead, he is likened to Melchizedek, a priest whose reign lasts forever, and whose ministry is eternal. He comes with abundant peace, justice and blessing. 

Jesus has been promised from the beginning: the subtle foreshadowing in Melchizedek, shows this was always the redemption plan – a priest and king, providing a way for God's people to dwell with him, forever. 

Apply: Sometimes we misinterpret who Jesus is: we align him with our ways of understanding. And yet, he is always so much better than we can dream or imagine. 

Is there anywhere you’ve put God in a 'box'? Where you’ve put your personal understandings on to him? Ask the Holy Spirit to bring greater revelation of who Jesus is, opening your eyes to a fuller picture of him. Allow yourself to be surprised, even blown away, by how much better he really is.

Devote: Lord, thank you that you are always better than we can imagine. Open our eyes to see you with greater clarity today.