Lent
Lent
March 18, 2021
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 5:5-10
So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,
‘You are my Son,
today I have begotten you’;
as he says also in another place,
‘You are a priest forever,
according to the order of Melchizedek.’ –Hebrews 5:5-6
Melchizedek is described as being both king of righteousness and peace and a unique (without parents or kin) and eternal (without beginning or end) priest (though never “high Priest”), Melchizedek resembles the Son of God*. (Hebrews 7:1-3).
Paul describes Christ as the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers—all things have been created through him and for him. –Colossians 1:15-16
This phrase from Hamlet popped into my mind as I considered Melchizedek.
“And therefore as a stranger give it welcome. There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” –Shakespeare from Hamlet
I love history. What I have learned most about history is that we never know the whole story. For example, some label Abraham as the first monotheist, but Melchizedek seemed to have been a monotheist too. Some consider Melchizedek as the very Christ who was present at creation. While we may enjoy exploring the facts of history from archeology to oral traditions, the truth proceeds from history, in the final analysis, based on faith. We study history to avoid replicating known mistakes. However, knowledge does not translate into the avoidance of repeating the same acts. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1) Faith provides the courage to change from the evil that draws us to continue in unrighteousness when we know it is wrong. Faith sustains us through our relationship with God when we do not know all the answers.
Prayer: God of Grace and Mercy, forgive us when we are continually drawn back to wrong paths. Guide us to find the righteous way. Amen.
*The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible K-Q page 343.
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.