Melchizedek's Profile
Do you like a good 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 Abraham (then Abram) and was
never heard from again. What happened that day, however, was to be remembered
throughout history and eventually because a subject of a New Testament 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@
(Genesis 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
Old Testament 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 you let God speak to you through other people? In evaluating others, do
you consider God's impact on their
lives? Are you aware of the similarities between yourself and others who worship
God, even if their form of worship is quite different from yours? Do you know
the God of the Bible well enough to know if you truly worship him? Allow
Melchizedek, Abraham, David, and Jesus, along with many other persons in the
Bible, to show you this great God, Creator of heaven and earth. He wants you to
know how much he loves you; he wants you to know him personally.
Melchizedek's Strengths and
Accomplishments
1. The first priest/king of Scripture - a leader with a heart tuned to God
2. Good at encouraging others to serve God wholeheartedly
3. A man whose character reflected his love for God
4. A person in the Old Testament who reminds us of Jesus and who some believe
really was Jesus
Lesson from Melchizedek's Life
1. Live for God and you= re likely to
be at the right place at the right time. Examine your heart: to whom or what is
your greatest loyalty? If you can honestly answer God, you are living for
him
Melchizedek's Vital Statistics
1. Where: Ruled in Salem, site of the future Jerusalem
2. Occupation: King of Salem and priest of God Most High
Key Verses
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