Rooted in Faith and Family – Part 2

Last week, I introduced you to or reminded you of Melchizadek. Now, I had no idea who he was before my husband and I joined a family group in reading our Bibles chronologically in 2020. If you’ve never read your Bible cover to cover, let me urge you to do so. Yes, it will take a while. You may do it chronologically as we did, or just book by book. Or begin anywhere. Just read it—that is the point.

Believe me when I tell you, you will be amazed. I cannot tell you how many times Hubby and I stop and say to one another (even with our sixth time through) did you see this? God’s message for you likely changes with each read. I know it does for us. He’s amazing that way.

Last week I told you that genealogies are so important that Jesus’ genealogy is in the Bible twice. It appears in the gospels of Matthew and Luke. Matthew shows us that Jesus is from the Royal line of King David while Luke shows us that Jesus is fully human and goes all the way back to Adam and even back to God. (Just so you know, Jesus is NOT a created being. He has always been. Read on. You will see.)

BIBLICAL TIMES AND IMPORTANCE OF GENEALOGIES

In Biblical times, tribal identity relied upon genealogies. All priests had to descend from Levi through Aaron but kingship came through Judah and David. The ability to inherit land was dependent upon one’s genealogy. The two gospels establish Jesus’ legal and his human identity.

Here are a couple of odd things about Melchizadek. He suddenly appears on the scene. Under Israel’s Law, kings and priests were two separate offices. Melchizadek shows up and claims both roles even before the Mosaic Law existed. When Jesus comes into the world, he fulfills what Israel’s system could never permanently unite—rightful King and eternal High Priest.

But we see in the titles of Melchizadek that his name and his title point to Jesus. Melchizadek means King of Righteousness. His title, King of Salem, means, King of Peace. Back in the Old Testament, the prophet, Jeremiah tells us: Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: “The LORD is our righteousness” (Jeremiah 23:5-6 ESV).  And Isaiah tells us: For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6 ESV).

Rooted in Faith and Family - Part 2 @DDuPreeWilliams #Faith #Family #JesusAndMelchizadek Share on X

THE ONE WITHOUT A GENEALOGY

I cited the verse in Hebrews last week, and again this week, in which Melchizadek is mentioned. It tells us that Melchizadek had no genealogy. Nothing about his birth or death is mentioned. That nothing is said is symbolic and intentional. Remember back when you read Genesis, it was filled with genealogies, births, and deaths. But Melchizadek appears and disappears mysteriously.

Last week I told you many believe that Melchizadek was a Christophany or a pre-incarnate Jesus. There is another thought that says he was a type of Christ. Hebrews 7:3 (ESV) doesn’t necessarily say he was Christ, but Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God: abideth a priest continually. I can certainly see where there is confusion. My personal belief is that he was, indeed, a Christophany, but I am no Bible scholar.  Will we know these things in heaven? Will they even matter? Time will tell. Either way, I think we will be so busy praising God and thanking Jesus, that we won’t care one little bit. We’ll just be happy we made it. Praise God!

There are many other things I could say to support one or the other or both views. I’ll wrap up with this.

The genealogies prove Jesus truly was born of the Virgin Mary, therefore He was fully human. But Melchizadek, without a genealogy, points to the mystery that Jesus also transcends humanity. Jesus is fully man with a traceable lineage, yet He is eternal God whose priesthood has no beginning and no end. Our Eternal High Priest.

BACK TO THE BEGINNING

All of this takes me back to Genesis and then to the Gospel of John. Genesis opens with In the beginning God Created. The heavens and the earth were first. Then came Let there be light (Genesis 1:3 ESV). In John 8:12 Jesus says: I am the light of the world. Whoever follows  me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (ESV). Then, back to Genesis 1:26 (ESV) we read, Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” I don’t know about you, but that speaks volumes to me. All three persons of the Trinity were God from the very beginning! Finally go to the Gospel of John 1:1-2 (ESV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.

The Bible is full of mysteries. If we read with open minds and hearts, if we pray for wisdom and discernment, God will reveal Himself to us.

It’s so important to know who Jesus is. Whether He came as Melchizadek, we may never know. We know He came as a human baby, fully human, born of Mary, yet fully divine, The Son of God. We know he suffered and died for the sins of the world on the cross. He was buried, and on the third day, He rose from the dead. Over 500 people witnessed Him alive after his horrific death, after His resurrection. Hallelujah!

If this isn’t enough to make a believer out of you, I don’t know what it would take. Personally, I know that my Redeemer liveth (Job 19:25 KJV).

Blessings, y’all!

I pray if you aren’t a part of this family, you will pray and believe Romans 10:9 and join us.