Title [Text: Hebrews 7:1-10]
The name “Melchizedek” is recorded 13 times in the Bible. Two of them are recorded in Genesis 14 and one is recorded in Psalm 110:4. And the other ten are recorded in Hebrews. (Hebrews 5:6,10,11, 6:20, 7:1,6,10,11,15,17). The writer of Hebrews emphasizes the priestly work of Jesus, and specifically sets out Melchizedek as a type of Jesus. Today, I would like to introduce this Melchizedek and share the grace with you.
1. Status of 「Melchizedek」(1)
?This Melchizedek is the king of Salem and the priest of the Most High God” (1). Salem is Jerusalem. He was already a high-ranking person who existed as a king and priest in the time of Abraham. In particular, the text emphasizes that he was in a higher position than Abraham. This may be shocking evidence for the Hebrews who exalted Abraham the most, but I think it is important to try to put Jesus above Abraham by exalting Melchizedek.
① He blessed Abraham returning from the battlefield (1,6). This is clearly evidence that Melchizedek is higher than Abraham. In verse 7 of the text, it is said, “The lowly will be blessed by the high. Moreover, Melchizedek served as a special servant (priest) of God. This is because blessing is a privilege bestowed upon God's servants (Numbers 6:22-27).
② Abraham gave a tenth of the best to Melchizedek (2,6). This is also evidence that Melchizedek was higher than Abraham. Moreover, in the Old Testament, the Levites received tites to live their lives. However, since Levi was at Abraham's loins (10), Abraham's offering of the tithe to Melchizedek was no different from that of Levi (9). Melchizedek is testifying that he is a holder of a high rank who will receive tites. It is considered natural for believers to serve the noble Jesus.
2. The meaning of the name “Melchizedek” (2)
The name Melchizedek is a compound word of "Malki" and "Chedek". Malki means ?my king? and Chedaek means ?ui?. Therefore, Melchizedek means “my righteous hem”. In verse 2, the meaning is interpreted in two ways.
① He is the king of righteousness. Melchizedek was, in his own way, a righteous ruler of his time. Although the specific acts of government are not recorded, it shows that it was a righteous act to form alliances with and not participate in unjust kings. But more important than this is that it is a type. This is a lesson about the righteousness of Jesus. Jesus is the king of righteousness. We need to know that He is before us as a righteous ruler.
② He is the king of peace. “The king of Salem, the king of peace.” It has already been revealed that he is the King of Salem in his position. In that sense, it means the king of peace. Melchizedek was a king who sought peace. A king who did not seek war. His name itself means the king of peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. We find true peace in the Lord. I hope that the saints will be filled with true peace that cannot be enjoyed in the world.
3. Birth of 「Melchizedek」(3)
The greater the character, the more special the records of his birth. These are things like having an unusual taemong or a natural phenomenon. But in the case of Melchizedek, there are no such things at all. Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, like the Son of God, he remains a priest forever” (3). Of course, that doesn't mean he was born without parents. It just means that there are no records at all. He is a special person who suddenly appeared in Genesis 14 and then disappeared. Although he was a great person who received a tithe from Abraham and blessed him, there is no record of his birth or genealogy. Here are some lessons to be learned.
① God does not value lineage. A certain family, someone's descendant, etc. is valued by the world. God values each individual's faith and devotion. Jews enjoyed genealogy. A true Christian must check my faith and devotion and always live a right life before God.
② God's work is done through a special calling rather than succession. Melchizedek has no trace of succession. He became a priest by a special call from God. All of us have become saints and office-bearers with a special calling in our time. Let us be grateful and faithful.
③ You must not be bound by achievements or achievements. Modern people love honor so much. Also, when you are in a certain position, there are times when you forcefully push for work in order to leave an achievement. Wrong. We need servants who serve the Lord without name and without light. We want our saints to be like that. I hope that we will become people that God remembers, not people. I hope that you will be faithful to the duties entrusted to you. Melchizedek appeared and disappeared for a while, but he is remembered as the king of righteousness, the king of peace, and the servant of blessing. We too will live for a little while, but I hope that this good name will be remembered by our descendants, especially your people. In order to do that, I hope that we will become believers approved by God.