The greatness of Melchizedek

Hebrews 7 emphasises the greatness of Melchizedek. Melchizedek’s greatness is evident in the fact that he served Abraham with Bread and wine. The greatest is to be the servant of all. His priestly ministry is not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, ‘but according to the power of indestructible life“ (Heb. 7:16).

The Levitical priesthood was unable to bring this to completion – not because it was flawed, but because it was bound by a temporal, fleshly commandment. The problem with this earthly priesthood is that it depends on, who is in office. If the priest is good, things go well; if he is bad, things go badly. So there are constant ups and downs, as was the case, for example, in the time of the priest Eli and his sons.

“Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?” (Heb. 7:11)

Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and his twelve sons came after Levi. Yet Melchizedek was already there in Abraham’s time. Although the Levitical priesthood did not yet exist, there had long been in God’s heart a priesthood capable of bringing the whole work to completion. That which was to come had already been there beforehand.

Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek. Normally, the Levites receive tithes from the people. Here, however, Abraham gives a tithe to Melchizedek. This shows how much greater and more exalted this priesthood is than anything human.

The same applies to the church: if the church is dependent on people who are mortal, it cannot be brought to perfection. No one in the church, however gifted they may be or however good their ministry may be, can bring the church to perfection. Serving others does not help us move forward.

The tent was not built by human hands. The Lord himself said: ‘I will build my church.’ Reality comes through the Lord.

That’s why we need it the unchanging priesthood of Melchizedek. “But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood” (Heb. 7:24). Only he “is able to save to the uttermost” (Heb. 7:25)!

From the very beginning, God intended this priesthood – one that would never pass away. If we cling to Melchizedek, to the Lord and to his indestructible life, we shall be led to perfection.