July 23, 2021 — A Study on the Book of Hebrews

“If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life.For it is declared: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless(for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.” Hebrews 7:11-19

“The author’s point is, if you’ve got something better, why go back to something worse? Maybe they were nostalgically thinking of “the good old days,” but they were losing sight of the fact that what they presently had in Christ was far better than anything that they had under Judaism. What the Old Testament saints looked forward to, we have received! We have full forgiveness of sins through Christ’s better sacrifice.” (Bible.org, Steven J. Cole)

The purpose of the Old Testament priesthood was to reconcile men to G-d by sacrificing animals for their sins. But this priesthood could only “represent” our reconciliation — it could not actually cleanse our sin. For the cleansing of our sin, we all need some other kind of sacrifice for the reconciliation. As such, the Old Testament system was not able to take away sin. It was imperfect – though for the time it served its purpose. Some “thing” or “person” was needed to see to it that people had full access to G-d. This is the purpose that Jesus fulfilled through the cross.

As Steven J. Cole says, people in the church like to rest in the memories of the “good old days.” If we stay glued to the memories of “days past”, we may be missing some of the best days of the church – or at least the potential for greatness. This is what Christ represents – better days – not just better but the best of the best for our salvation. As such we cannot live in the past – we must always be living into the future.

Jesus went to the cross and took on our sins and won for us our reconciliation to G-d – in other words, Jesus fulfills the law – and is our permanent priest and advocate to G-d…..thanks be to G-d.

Pastor Dave

July 22, 2021 – A Study on the Book of Hebrews

“This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him,and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever. Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder!Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham.This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater. In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.” Hebrews 7:1-10

“The author uses Melchizedek as a model of Christ’s priesthood, several times in this epistle saying that Christ is a priest “according to the order of Melchizedek.” Well, what was special about Melchizedek? And why was his priesthood superior? In this chapter the author compares Christ’s/Melchizedek’s priesthood with that of the Levites to further demonstrate Jesus’ superiority in all ways. Abraham gave one tenth of all his spoils. See also verse 4 where it shows he gave of the choicest. This is one basis in the Bible for the so called 10% tithe. What does this show us about Melchizedek? What does this show us about Abraham? Should we also give ten percent? Should we give just if we have some extra or something leftover? Can you afford to give? (Mark 12:41-44) What should be the motivation? What kind of things should we give to? What if we don’t know where to give?” (from StudyHebrews.com: Hebrews 7:1-10 Inductive Bible Study Notes)

Melchizedek’s name is interpreted as “King of Righteousness” and “King of Peace”. Even though he appears just briefly in the Old Testament, his presence is one that continues into our own discussion about Christ. There was something about him that rendered a profound response from Abraham – Melchizedek blessed Abraham, and Abraham gave him a tenth of his plunder. There was no need for Abraham to do this – it was his response to the “King of Righteousness”.

Jesus is our “King of Righteousness”, and he is the one we are called to give a tenth – of our time, talents and resources. Of course, just like Melchizedek, there is something about Jesus that should render a profound response from us – oh yes, it was the fact that he took on our sins by dying on the cross, and, through the cross event, has borne the sins of all people.

And yet, often we hesitate in our response – we look to whether we have the time, the talent or the treasure to spare on this “King”. Is that how we are to show a profound response to Jesus – to give what we have left – rather than what is due?

Pastor Dave