November 7, 2024 - Hebrews 7

“Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God . . . His name first means king of righteousness, then king of Salem, that is, king of peace.  Without father, without mother, without genealogy, he has neither beginning of days nor end of life but is like the son of God, and he remains a priest for all time.” (7:1-3).  Melchizedek was a mysterious sort of fellow.  We know his name but nothing about his family.  A priest of God, he is king of righteousness and peace and without any recorded birth or death.  You know, this is just one more example illustrating that the Bible is a single story, not two (Old and New).  The writer of Hebrews looks far back in time and recognizes one of the pointers God has placed throughout history, which directed men’s gaze toward Messiah.  The writer points out that “the law made nothing perfect” (7:19) and that we have “a better hope” (7:19) because of the One of whom it is said, “’You are a priest forever’–accordingly Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant” (7:21-22).  And “he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (7:25).

He lives! the great Redeemer lives!

What joy the blest assurance gives!

And now, before his Father, God,

Pleads the full merits of his blood.

Repeated crimes awake our fears,

And justice armed with frowns appears;

But in the Saviour’s lovely face

Sweet mercy smiles, and all is peace.   -- Anne Steele (1760)