Melchizedec: King of Righteousness

So who is Melchizedec?

Melchizedec was an 18th century BC king of Salem (Salem is the shortened form of Jerusalem. (see Psalms 76:2.) The priest of the Most High God. Melchizedec was without father, without mother, without genealogy, Melchizedec has neither beginning of days nor end of life. He is made like the Son of God and remains a priest continually. (see Hebrews 7:1-2)

Melchizedec is mentioned eight times in the Bible. Eight is the number of "new birth", "new creation" or "new beginnings."

We first meet Melchizedec when Abram was returning from rescuing his nephew Lot from the four kings who carried him off (see Genesis 14:18-28)

Abrams wants his nephew back, so he takes the men of his household (his army) and goes to get Lot back. After Abrams victory, Melchizedec welcomed them with bread and wine. Abram recognized his greatness & as a King and gave him a tithe of all. (Isnt this awesome. Rightousness meets Victory.)

Note that he welcomed Abram with bread and wine. Which we recognize as the elements of the communion of Christ's life in the New Covenant.

The next mention of Melchizedec is in Psalms 110:4 where David writes of the Messiah. Here he prophesies of Jesus ministry. “You are a priest forever. According to the order of Melchizedec.”

We can also read about Melchizedec in Hebrews 7:1-2

For this Melchizedec, 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 rightousness” and then also king if 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 and remains a priest continually.

Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. And indeed those who are the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, although they have come from the loins of Abraham, but he who genealogy is not derived from them receives tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. Here mortal men receives tithes, but there he receives them. Of whom it is witnessed that he lives. Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedec met him.

Melchizedec was not only superior to Abraham, but to the Levitical priesthood, in two ways. First, Levitical priests were mortal. They died and the people are represented by different priests at different times, which is in contrast to Melchizedec as the Old Testament does not record his death. Secondly, Levi paid tithes to Melchizedec through Abraham’s gifts. Because he is descended from Abraham, he is counted as having tithed to Melchizedec too. This is a great teaching about Jesus.

Why a Melchizedec priesthood?

We have been given all of Jesus authority on earth, and its important that as we represent Jesus, we understand his Ministry. I'll go out on a limb here, but you are "Jesus on earth" to those who have never experienced Him. Now dont let this swell your head. You are not God. And I am not telling you, you are God. Your are Christ-like!

even, Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedec.....Hebrews 5 & 6:20

In representing Christ on earth, we need to understand the Melchizedec priesthood. We are called and chosen by God for His purposes

but ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation....1 Peter 2:9

We are a ministry unto life, we are a ministry the brings forth.

1. This ministry is that of a Prophet, a Priest and a King
2. This ministry is an unlimited ministry
3. This ministry is energized by the source of an endless life
4. This ministry is eternal
5. This ministry is immutable or unchangeable
6. This ministry is universal, flowing with all men
7. This ministry springs from Judah or praise
8. This ministry brings perfection
9. This ministry puts away the curse of the law, namely sickness, sin, poverty and death.

References

The Mystery of Melchisedec: By Stephen Jr. Everett: ISBN: 1-56043-036-2

The More Excellent Ministry: By Kelley Varner: ISBN: 0-914903-60-8

Nelson Study Bible, New King James Version

New American Standard Bible, Updated Version

American Standard Bible, 1901 Version

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible: ISBN 0-917006-01-1

Whos' Who In The Bible; ISBN: 0-517-32170-X