In the book of Genesis, God calls Abraham from the East to settle in the land that God promises to Abraham and his descendents. A large section of the middle of Genesis is devoted to Abraham and the foundation of what will become the nation of Israel. But, as with Jesus, there is an episode that brings a mystery man into the life of the Father of God’s people.
His name is Melchizedek. He is named as the king of Salem, and also as a priest of God. Salem is generally considered to be Jerusalem, which David shall conquer as the capital for Israel and the place where the temple of the Lord will be constructed. But prior, it is referred to as a Jebusite fortress-the Jebusites being one of the peoples of Canaan that will be driven out as God brings God’s people into the Promised Land. It was the Jebusites that David drove out.
But in this moment, Melchizedek just shows up. Abraham has just gone on campaign against certain of the Canaanites to rescue his nephew, Lot. He is successful and, on his return, this mysterious priest-king is there to meet him.. He praises Abraham in the name of God and Abraham, in response, gives him a tithe. The tithe, the granting of one-tenth, is the gift that is offered to God from the fruits of what God has granted. So Abraham is recognizing in Melchizedek the authority of God.
Melchizedek drops into the life of Abraham for less than 5 verses. This authority of the Lord in the life of God’s Chosen One.
It feels to me that there is a parallel to be made between Melchizedek and the Magi of Matthew 2. They come, they bless, and they disappear. Led by God and led away just as quickly. For Matthew, the gospel ‘to the Jews’ as some have called it, this is an echo of the Old Testament in a manner that is different from simply quoting something that has been fulfilled in the life and ministry of our Lord.
Maybe this is also something of a reversal of roles. In Genesis, Abraham (Abram here as the Lord has not yet changed his name), comes from the East and receives the blessing of God in Melchizedek in the Promised Land. Jesus comes from the Promised Land, born in the City of David, and receives the blessing of God from the Magi who come out of the East.
Cannot say for sure, but it feels right to me. Tomorrow, we will look at what Melchizedek means to Jesus in the words of the New Testament.
Pastor Peter
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