Day 53: The Way Of The Warrior

The Lord is training you to be a king.  When you leave this world, your career will change. Today you’re an ambassador: Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. (2 Cor. 5:20).  In the future you will: ‘…sit with me on my throne…’ (Rev. 3:21).  In addition, you are a royal priest: But you are…a royal priesthood,…that you may proclaim the excellencies of him. (1 Pet. 2:9). Now you are an ambassador/priest.

In Genesis 14, we read about Melchezedek, the king/priest of Salem.  He is the foundation of the book of Hebrews.  He is a template for how we might think and act.  Psalm 110 is the most quoted Psalm in the New Testament, at its core, is a conversation, between God the Father, and God the Son, and gives us glimpse about the king/priest.  The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” (Ps. 110:1).  The Father speaks to the Son, to take the place of honor (right hand), until he defeats the Son’s enemies.  Then the Father says: The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” (Ps. 110:4).  We get to hear a brief Heavenly conversation, when the Father emphasizes, the Son is going to be a priest, not in the Levitical priesthood…but Melchezedek’s order of priests.

Levites could not be kings, nor kings be Levites.  But Jesus, the Son of God was to be both a king and a priest. The Father used the Melchezedek model, as the template for an eternal order of priests.  Believers are also in this order — a royal priesthood…(1 Pet. 2:9).  So we should know the characteristics of being a king/priest, which Melchezedek exhibited.  Remember, we’re being made in the image of Jesus Christ (Eph 2:10), but we are: Jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. (2 Cor. 4:7)

After his return [Abram] from the defeat of Chedorlaomer…the king of Sodom went out to meet him… (Gen. 14:17).

1.  Polite:  14:17 King of Sodom came out first to meet Abram.  Melchezedek was a gentleman and waited for others to be first.  Though this meeting was in his domain, he was patient and thoughtful. He was kind and hospitable to the King of Sodom and his companions.  He provided them with protection away from combat.

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) (14:18)

2.  Thoughtful:  14:18 brought out bread and wine…  Whereas the King of Sodom was concerned about his domain (14:21), Melchezedek was concerned about Abram and his men, and returning hostages.  He was hosting five other kings and their entourages, yet he  focused on others, willing to meet their needs, and to serve survivors.

3.  Generous:  The cost must have been enormous to house and feed hundreds of unplanned visitors.  Melchezedek had no input into the fighting, nor had he been rebellious, but other’s behaviors are costing him dearly, yet he kindly shares.  Remember, Abram had 318 fighting men: also brought back his kinsman Lot with his possessions, and the women and the people. (14:16).  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies (Ps. 23:5).

4.  Unique:  Salem was an out-of-the-way, outpost.  It was not a center of commerce nor culture.  It was in a relatively obscure location. Sometimes the Lord calls us to out-of-the-way places, not glittering metropolises.  Melchizedek made an impact where he lived.

5.  Humble:  brought out bread and wine… Melchezedek was a king, people should be coming to him and paying homage to him.  He could be demanding respect, but he doesn’t let his status prevent him from having an attitude of humility. He serves (Matt 20:28).

6.  Spiritually mature: 14:18  Melchezedek obviously had a unique position as a king, who was a spiritual leader, this called for extraordinary leadership.  There was not a separation of religion and civil authority, they were inseparable.  His worship was to Jehovah (14:22) not the pantheon of Canaanite gods.

And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth (14:19)

7.  Loving:  14:19 he blessed him…  A blessing is a wish in words coupled with the energy of emotion.  ‘Blessers’ believe that words have power and are an expression of something that one wishes to happen.  A blessing varied with the status of the individual who stated it.  The words of a religious official, a patriarch, a parent, or dying person, had more impact than an ordinary person.  So, a king’s blessing was a great kindness.

‘Blessing’ was originally instituted by God (Gen 1:22; 28; 5:2; 9:1; 12:1; etc.). The ‘blesser’ desires the ‘blessee’ to receive good, and benefit.  It speaks of generous behavior toward another, it is not competition, but compassion.

8.  Acknowledgement:  14:19 Melchezedek takes public note of Abram’s connection to: God Most High.  Abram had a position of value and importance, and it was appropriate to note this compliment of Abram’s special relationship to the God of gods.

and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. (14:20)

9.  Knowledgeable:  Melchezedek was aware of ordinances and proceedings of religious precepts.  He also noted the ‘blessing’ blesses the Lord — God is delighted. He then accepted tithes in the proper way, attributing them as worship of Jehovah (Gen 26:5).

10.  Discipler:  Melchezedek made disciples. Psalm 110:4 “You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.” An ‘order’ presupposes many followers. Thus, he was not a Lone Ranger, but a person who led others in worship and obedience. (Matt 28:19).

We have noted just ten attributes that a king/priest exhibit. There are more to identify and implement by God’s grace, since we are a royal priesthood.  Our words and behaviors need to show others, that the God of glory can work in our lives for our good and his honor.  We carry a great responsibility to let the world know that there is a God of Heaven who reaches into our earthly lives to give us hope.

God is creating us in His image, so we are enhanced and people blessed.  Enjoy it.

By Nathan Werner