Who:

Melchizedek, was the King of Salem by translation that is “King of Righteousness” and “King of Peace.” He is considered by some to be a:

Theophany.

An appearance or manifestation of God; a compound word derived from the Greek noun for God and the Greek verb “to appear.”

In its broadest meaning the term has been applied to many forms of divine revelation in both Testaments, whether occurring in a vision or dream or in normally perceptible realities such as unusual natural phenomena, appearances of the Deity in human form in the OT, or the incarnation of Christ in the NT. The use of the term theophany is restricted here to manifestations of God in temporary forms perceptible to the external senses, and thereby excludes divine manifestations in dreams or visions and the incarnation of Christ.

Theophany is regarded as one of the means by which God’s special revelation comes to man. God’s special revelation may be divided into two basic forms, that of word and deed. God’s revelatory deeds may be further divided into the categories of theophany and miracle. A theophany is then a form of divine revelation in which God’s presence is made visible and recognizable to man. God therefore reveals himself not only by word and miracle, by prophecies and signs, but also by making his presence perceptible to men.

(Elwell, Walter A. and Barry J. Beitzel. Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House, 1988.)

Jewish tradition held that he was Shem, the son of Noah, a sentiment Luther says he had no problem with, even defending the genealogical record which supports that Shem lived beyond Abraham’s death according to the biblical record and his number of years.

Both Josephus and Philo record Melchizedek as an actual historical figure; this appears to be in line with the Biblical record where he is recorded as the King of Salem in the Genesis record. Calvin also found the teaching of the Epistle to the Hebrews, sufficient evidence to identify him as a real and historical figure, whose virtue and gifts were directly accorded to God’s blessing and sanctification.

(Genesis 14:13-15:17, NKJV)

¹³ Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, for he dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and brother of Aner; and they were allies with Abram. ¹⁴ Now when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants who were born in his own house, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. ¹⁵ He divided his forces against them by night, and he and his servants attacked them and pursued them as far as Hobah, which is north of Damascus. ¹⁶ So he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his brother Lot and his goods, as well as the women and the people. ¹⁷ And the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley), after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him. ¹⁸ Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. ¹⁹ And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; ²⁰ And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tithe of all. ²¹ Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.” ²² But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, ²³ that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich’- ²⁴ except only what the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their portion.” ¹ After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” ² But Abram said, “Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” ³ Then Abram said, “Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!” ⁴ And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.” ⁵ Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” ⁶ And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. ⁷ Then He said to him, “I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to inherit it.” ⁸ And he said, “Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?” ⁹ So He said to him, “Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” ¹⁰ Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. ¹¹ And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. ¹² Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him. ¹³ Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. ¹⁴ And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. ¹⁵ Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age. ¹⁶ But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.” ¹⁷ And it came to pass, when the sun went down and it was dark, that behold, there appeared a smoking oven and a burning torch that passed between those pieces.

(Genesis 14:13-15:17, NKJV)

What:

Melchizedek was a man. We are not told what man he is , that is his tribe, or genealogical background and this is important in the providence of God. The conversation between Melchizedek and Abram, is important, as Abram and the Priest are worshipping the same God, El Elyon “God Most High” maker of heaven and earth. Also, the priestly distinction accorded to the position of Melchizedek in Psalm 110 and Hebrews 5-7, is of essential importance in deciphering what Melchizedek is concerning his Priesthood.

He was a Priest, part of an Order, the chosen of God, established and sustained by God. The recognition and contrast of Melchizedek to the other kings around him is characterized in his recognition of the living and true God (El Elyon), the God of Abram, who was the maker of heaven and earth. The evidence that El Elyon is the true and living God, is found in the pronouncement of YHWH the covenant God, as Abram holds up YHWH to the King of Sodom (Gen 14:22) adding the phrase “maker of heaven and earth” when he chastises the King. It is YHWH which later appears and speak the oath upon the pain of death, YHWH’s death, a fact attested to in the imagery of Genesis 15:1-17.

The blessing received from Melchizedek along with the tithe paid to him from Abram, is the evidence found in Hebrews authenticating the superiority of the Priesthood of Melchizedek over, Abram and the Levitical Priesthood then present in his loins.

Where:

We are told that Abraham received the blessing of Melchizedek in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley) in Gen 14:17, it is unclear if the King of Sodom is present at the same time, but the text seems to suggest this is the case.

Additional antidotal information is seen in that Melchizedek is the King of Salem, and while this is widely accepted as Jerusalem, there is no specific passage which indicates this fact for us.

This lack of a meaningful where, adds to the importance of the person of Melchizedek in terms of his origin. It is not his Origin which should concern us but instead his actions.

When:

Perhaps most important is the timing of Melchizedek appearance at this event in God’s providence, and the fact it proceeds the covenant ceremony recorded in Gen 15. This is important because Melchizedek is an type of Christ, in human terms, as we see in Hebrews, concerning the superiority of the Priesthood of Christ. Also because the evidence of an Order of Priest, exists before the Abrahamic covenant is ratified with the oath in which YHWH promises to fulfill every word he has given to Abraham upon the pains of death.

Why:

We must be careful when asking this question. God is never required to give us an answer, the fact that He communicates His love and dedication to His Elect, is an extension of His Mercy!

Why? Here the depth of the meaning grows as or since God’s providence is the correct response. God wanted it to happen. God’s glory is the ultimate end. His Purpose is being served.

Part of the reason is revealed in Psalm 110

(Psalm 110, NKJV)

A Psalm of David. The Lord said to my Lord,”Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies! Your people shall be volunteers In the day of Your power; In the beauties of holiness, from the womb of the morning, You have the dew of Your youth. The Lord has sworn And will not relent, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.” The Lord is at Your right hand; He shall execute kings in the day of His wrath. He shall judge among the nations, He shall fill the places with dead bodies, He shall execute the heads of many countries. He shall drink of the brook by the wayside; Therefore He shall lift up the head.

(Psalm 110, NKJV)

To understand the significance this passage we have to go to Hebrews:

(Hebrews 5:5-11, NKJV)

So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.” As He also says in another place: “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek”; who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,” of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

(Hebrews 5:5-11, NKJV)

For your Homework read Hebrews 5-9, and look for all the links to our study.

How:

Through the restoration of better promises, in which Christ is evidenced as a better Priest than those established by the promises which came after the origination of the Priesthood of faith and life, called the Order of Melchizedek. God established Melchizedek, as he established Christ, according the same order, an order which had been temporarily displaced until the time of restoration (Heb 9:10.)

The additional verses in Hebrews 6-7 discuss the superiority of Christ, on the basis of the establishment of the Order of Melchizedek, the progenitor of the Israelites, Abraham, and the descendants to which the oracles of God came establishing the 10 Commandments and all of the Jewish laws, including the order of Levitical Priests, who by the testimony of Abraham, submitted to a superior in the faith and priesthood, namely Melchizedek, while still in Abraham loins.

What can we do with this information?

1. Christ is glorified and God receives honor.
2. The appearance on Melchizedek over a span of thousands of years in the biblical record supports the authenticity of God’s word.
3. The establishment of the promises of the Order God created, prior to the Levitical law, was superior and assures us of His Sovereign control over us and all things, He has planned and is accomplishing all His holy will!
4. It provides us with the knowledge that we like Christ and Melchizedek before us are Priests and Kings, and it establishes the certainty that we are established upon the same promises which have been present from the beginning, demonstrating that God does not change!
5. We can better understand the blessings we have received through Christ and the Father!
6. We can pray and worship more meaningfully, with this knowledge because of our understanding.

All Glory be to GOD!

Proverbs 18:24
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (ESV)

Proverbs 27:9
Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. (ESV)

Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. (NKJV)

I missed a day, it was inevitable. But the reason for the missed day is the topic of this post. In 1987 I was married to my wonderful wife Daniella (21 years this February 23,) and in those early years of our marriage, we forged a friendship with another couple at our church, John and Jennifer Sagissor. They encouraged us in the faith, and John and I became fast friends.

I play chess with John on a fairly regular basis using a site called Queen Alice Internet Chess Club it’s a great blessing. They moved several times over the years, until they settled in Wisconsin. So we see them annually when they send a family Portrait at Christmas, that is except for John.

John works for a large piano Manufacturer and comes out for the NAMM conference every January, and while there have been a few years we could not meet, we have managed to succeed most years, including last night. Thus I was busy being sharpened and missed my deadline.

I realized this year John is my best friend. We pick up conversation like no time apart has been spent. We correct one another in Christ’s love, and most of all we share a deep passion for God, His Word, and living out loud, Christian music, and we love one another.

His wife has always been an inspiration and encouragement. She lives a life dedicated to God first and her family next. They are both a great blessing to me and my family.

I have known John for over 20 years. But for many of those years I called a high school friend my best friend, even when he disparaged my faith, and stopped returning calls, and even told me that I couldn’t openly share my faith at a party he was planning to reunite our groups of high school friends. A Party which he had without inviting me. He recently contacted me, and I realized as I spoke to him, I had nothing in common with him other we are both sinners.

This same friend used to yell at the top of his lungs, his love for God, and was notorious to telling you, “don’t litter Gods country!” if he saw you tossing litter. He contacted me recently returning a call months old left on his answering machine. He came over one evening and we talked about all the things we sued to talk about, but he avoided every attempt I made to move the conversation toward Christ, God and what that means in our lives today.

He called me three times a couple of weeks ago. He needed my contact information for an application he was completing for a law enforcement agency. I pray for him and his family. I realize now, he was never my best friend, only a sinner who like me needs Christ.

Christ is my true best friend. After him there is Daniella, who surprises me still with a kindness and tenderness I lack and desperately need. Then there is John, with whom I can share every struggle in my flesh, who never judges, and speaks as a true brother should, delivering challenge and rebuke when necessary. Thanks Brother!

Do you have a true friend in this life you have neglected?
Maybe you can elaborate on what friendship is-

May God grant you His peace and love as you consider your role in this life. Maybe you are the neglected friend. Be faithful, be patient, be true! The God of all creation knows your heart, and is accomplishing all His holy will.

Blessings!

Many of us identify the beginning of sorrows in terms of the fall of man. To be certain this is sorrowful. However the title of this segment is a direct reference to Christ’s comments on questions about himself, and the heavenly rule. Christ is sited in all of the Gospels except John, as making statements similar to this regarding the end of the age.Scholars have debated the meaning and timing of these events ever since.

Matthew 24:4-14

⁴ And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. ⁵ For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. ⁶ And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. ⁷ For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. ⁸ All these are the beginning of sorrows.

⁹ “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. ¹⁰ And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. ¹¹ Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. ¹² And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. ¹³ But he who endures to the end shall be saved. ¹⁴ And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
(NKJV)

Mark 13:4-13

⁴ “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign when all these things will be fulfilled?” ⁵ And Jesus, answering them, began to say: “Take heed that no one deceives you. ⁶ For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,‘ and will deceive many. ⁷ But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. ⁸ For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows.

⁹ “But watch out for yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils, and you will be beaten in the synagogues. You will be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony to them. ¹⁰ And the gospel must first be preached to all the nations. ¹¹ But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. ¹² Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. ¹³ And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
(NKJV)

Luke 21:8-11

⁸ And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,‘ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them. ⁹ But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately.”

¹⁰ Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. ¹¹ And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
(NKJV)

Upon reflection, these statements are profound and worth our study and reflection.

They demonstrate that the Gospel or “good news,” was not always what we in modern culture would call good.

But Christ is recorded as teaching; these things must come to pass. They are called the beginning of sorrows, fearful sights, and great signs. How are these things good?

To understand that, context is required. Since the end of the age is noted, and significant events which have since come to pass are indicated. The context hold for the immediate future as well as the future not yet completed. Some of the events are larger than the destruction of the temple, or the fall of Jerusalem.

The good news? That’s comes in the form of promised delivery, not from the terrors, but rather through them, or after them. The assurance of salvation, frees us from the terrors, of disasters, illness, and even wars.

We are His children and as such we need to practice the blessings we have received, so God may be glorified.

Paul said it this way,

Romans 7:22-25

²² For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. ²³ But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. ²⁴ O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? ²⁵ I thank God-through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.
(NKJV)

Romans 8:31-39

³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? ³³ Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written:

“For Your sake we are killed all day long;

We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”

³⁷ Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(NJKV)

So, what are a few wars, earthquakes and terrors.

Context is everything, and once we are in Christ. Nothing is ever the same.

Blessings!