Melchizedek

Gen 14:17-20

Do you like mystery? History is full of them! They usually involve people. One of the most mysterious people in the Bible is the king of peace, Melchizedek. He appeared one day in the life of Abram and was never heard from again. What happened that day, however, was to be remembered throughout history and eventually became a subject of a NT letter (Hebrews).

This meeting between Abram and Melchizedek was most unusual. Although the two men were strangers and foreigners to each other, they shared a most important characteristic: both worshiped and served the one God who made heaven and earth. This was a great moment of triumph for Abram. He had just defeated an army and regained the freedom of a large group of captives. If there was any doubt in his mind about whose victory it was, Melchizedek set the record straight by reminding Abram, "Blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand" (Gen 14:20). Abram recognized that this man worshiped the same God he did.

Melchizedek was one of a small group of God-honoring people throughout the OT who came in contact with the Jews (Israelites) but were not Jews themselves. This indicates that the requirement to be a follower of God is not genetic, but is based on faithfully obeying his teachings and recognizing his greatness.

Do we let God speak to us through other people? In evaluating others, do we consider God's impact on their lives? Are we aware of the similarities between ourselves and others who worship God, even if their form of worship is quite different from ours? Do we know the God of the Bible well enough to know if we truly worship him? Allow Melchizedek, Abraham, and Jesus, along with many other persons in the Bible, to show us this great God, Creator of heaven and earth. He wants us to know how much He loves us; he wants us to know him personally.

Cheers!
Andrea