Active Jesus

 

Hebrew 7:1-10

We know little about Melchizedek. Most of what I've ever read about him is a repeat of what's written in Hebrews 7. He's an important figure in Hebrews because, in part, of his appearance in Genesis 14. If you recall, he met Abram, bringing bread and wine to celebrate the patriarch's victory. Then he blessed Abram. That's when Abram gave the priest a "tenth of everything." Abram's tithe came from the spoils of defeating "Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him" (Genesis 14: 17). Four different kings, if you're keeping score. For Hebrews, Abram's tithe to Melchizedek illustrates the priest's superiority. Abram's offering is no small act and Melchizedek is no small figure. As important as he was, though, Jesus as our high priest is greater. Though Melchizedek's priesthood remains forever, it is now unnecessary because of Jesus' priesthood. Melchizedek stands out because of one act. We remember what he did--he received Abram's tithe. But we have a priest now who isn't remembered for just one thing. Yes, there is one thing Jesus did that stands out from all other things. He gave his life as an offering, once and for all, for all people. No priest ever needs to make a sacrifice to atone for our sin. And no priest could ever even give the kind of offering Jesus did. That one act is sufficient for all things. Still, whereas we remember what Melchizedek did, we now also see what Jesus is doing. Jesus the high priest is active. He relates to our suffering and accepts our lives the way they are. I don't know how it all works, but I know the Lord hears our praying. Jesus receives our confessions and comforts our worries. He gives strength to the weary and hope to the down-trodden. Jesus gives peace and rest to our souls. What has Christ done for you today? And because Jesus' work is active, we can keep trusting him. We can keep offering him our lives with the full assurance we are in God's care. May our trust and faith in him be as active as he is. Stay blessed...john