A Man with No Pedigree
Opening Prayer
Before today’s reading, name those who led you to Christ and give God your praise and thanks for them.
Read Hebrews 7:1-10
[1] 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, [2] 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.” [3] Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever. [4] Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! [5] Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people-that is, from their fellow Israelites-even though they also are descended from Abraham. [6] This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. [7] And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater. [8] In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. [9] One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, [10] because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
How is Melchizedek compared to the Son of God?Melchizedek’s name is made from two Hebrew words: melek, meaning “king” and zedek, which means “righteousness.” So he was king of righteousness. He was also king of Salem, which means “peace.” Note that first came righteousness, then peace (2). This is always the order (Rom. 5:1). We search for peace; yet we often look in the wrong places. Some find a temporary peace in denial that there is a problem. Many search for peace through drugs, alcohol or illicit sex. But the only true peace is found through accepting God’s will (Luke 22:42). Melchizedek had no pedigree (3) so he wasn’t entitled, according to the law of Moses, to be a priest. Yet Abraham paid him tithes, and Melchizedek blessed Abraham. Note the significance of these two facts (4,7). Levitical priests were born into the role, regardless of their lifestyles. Melchizedek became a priest based on his relationship with God. We are not Christians because of our ancestry. We become Christians because of our own relationship with God. Thank God this is possible with Jesus Christ as our High Priest.
Apply
Is there turmoil in your life? Where are you looking for peace? Pray that the Lord will give you peace.
Closing prayer
Lord, You alone are the giver of true, lasting peace. May I always look to You for the peace I need.
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