Priest and King

Day 309: Hebrews 7:1-17

“This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life.” - Hebrews 7:15-16

You would do well to read the (short) account of Melchizedek and Abraham in Genesis 14:18-20. More is said of this guy in the New Testament than in the Old Testament. Who was he? We know little, but we do know…

- He was a priest.

- He was a king.

- He brought bread.

- He brought wine.

That list right there should be enough to make Jesus come immediately to our minds.

Melchizedek was a foreshadowing of our Savior's coming.

Jesus, though, broke the rules. He didn't meet the lineage requirements of being a priest, but the power of His indestructible life prevents Him from being disqualified. He does the same for us through his powerful life, doesn’t He? We don't meet the requirement as unworthy sinners, but He qualifies us by His blood.

The Greek word used for indestructible here is akatalytos. It pertains to that which cannot be caused to cease. (Eugene Nida) In short, there is no outside force that will ever knock Jesus off His throne or subvert His saving power.

Aren't you glad we have such a capable Lord and Savior?