“A Priest Continually” (Heb 7:1-19)

“For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. 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 continually”. (vs1-3)

Melchizedek pictures our Lord Jesus Christ.

His priesthood is eternal, so we have an ever present help in time of need (Heb 7:1-3).  We read, “without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually”. He can be counted on to produce the changes of character, by faith in Him to have earned God's power.  Press on through God's appointed priest, and get what you need.

Never fear grace is insufficient or unavailable

Christ is greater than the old testament priesthood, even as Melchizedek is greater than Levi, who paid tithes to him to prove his inferiority (vs4-15). We read, “Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him”. The Lord Jesus is a priest of another covenant, built upon better promises, conditioned by His own blood, and given to save men's souls. Levi couldn't put away sin, but the Lord Jesus did and arose. Levi died after so many years, but the Lord of glory EVER lives to make intercession for us. His greatness is the reason for faith.

The eternality is emphasized because we need continual access to God (vs16-17). He says, “For [God] testifies: You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek”. We are weary with sin, weary with rebellious sinners rejecting us, and doubtful about so much. I need a PERPETUAL priesthood that doesn't change when I fall, and He is on the job in my every day needs and adversity. He is declaring, by God's appointment, that the scriptures have declared Him to ALWAYS be there to receive those who come.

Finally, draw near to God (vs18-19). He says, “For the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God”. He receives those who come, but don't “understand” it merely. You may understand how a life jacket works to keep you from drowning, but you're SAVED by using it.

We often close our heart to God. We're in despair, feel rejected, and feel like we can't be heard. We think, “Oh God, we have not been heard, deservedly, and to the frustration of our hearts”. Yet, God speaks to us in the gospel, persuading us with many infallible proofs to come to His gigantic love through the Mediator appointed. Christ is SO glorious that God will help in time of need. It may be slower than we thought or come quite differently, but EVERY prayer of faith is answered according to the promise it latches onto. Don't harden your heart, refusing to come, like a spurned lover. He bids you, “Come”, through the Son He gave to bring you.