The Mystery of Melchizedek

"This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." Hebrews 6:19-20

Who is Melchizedek?

In the Book of Genesis we learn that he was the King of Salem who offered a blessing to Abraham, and whom Abraham paid a tithe.  Genesis 14:18 reads, "Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High" (NKJV).

In the Book of Psalms, the Lord gives David a prophecy of the coming Messiah and we read in Psalms 110:4, "The Lord has sworn and will not relent, 'You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek'” (NKJV).  You should read the whole chapter.  It is beautiful.

Then in Hebrews, where the glorious definition of faith and all that it encompasses comes alive, the point about Melchizedek is again raised for all God's faithful to see the magnificent mystery revealed.  Consider Hebrews 7:1-3 which reads, "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated 'king of righteousness,' and then also king of Salem, meaning 'king of peace,' without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually" (NKJV).

Could it be that the Jews knew and understood this Melchizedek far better than we?  They failed to recognize the return of Elijah in John the Baptist, having form, manner and appearance far different than Elijah.  Perhaps this is why so many failed to see and recognize Jesus Christ as King of Righteousness.  He was of form and appearance far different than Melchizedek.

Consider the following two verses:

"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart'" (1 Samuel 16:7, NKJV).

"Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is convinced in himself that he is Christ’s, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he is Christ’s, even so we are Christ’s" (2 Corinthians 10:7, NKJV).

May we heed the words of the Prophet Jeremiah for the revelation of all God's mysteries.

"Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3, NKJV).

Goodnight, Joyful Runners.