He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever. Hebrews 7:3
I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. My focus this morning is Hebrews 7:1-10, and my initial unaided observations of this text. With this text, we return to a discussion of the Great High Priest first started in chapter 4:14 and continuing through chapter 5:10 before a pause where the author of Hebrews warns the readers not to fall away from their faith, followed by an encouragement (starting in chapter 6:9 through the end of the chapter) to hold firm in their faith. The text for today examines the Priestly Order of Melchizedek and how it compares to Levites in their role of high priest. The text in v3 describes Melchizedek as "without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever." Based on a previous post in my study of Hebrews, I learned about Melchizedek and how, although he does not have prominent role in scripture, the post shares (from the commentary) that Jesus's priesthood "must mean that Jesus’s priesthood, like Melchizedek’s, is born out of the sovereign purposes of God. The order—that is, the nature—of Jesus’s priesthood is of a sovereign order, a sovereign nature. Like Melchizedek, Jesus did not take the honor of priest upon himself; he was sovereignly appointed. And in his appointment and service as high priest, he was exalted above all others." This morning, in v3 we once again see the connection between Melchizedek and Jesus - as Melchizedek "resembles" Jesus.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are a great God who loves me and You reign forever - and I know You will never leave or forsake me. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such blessings. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
