Day 54: The Way Of The Warrior

As believers, we are in training to be king/priests. When we leave the earth our role is: I will grant him to sit with me on my throne (Rev. 3:21). Our time here, is like primary school, or Boot Camp, we are prepared for the next ministry that will be given to us by the Lord.  Our career now: Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. (2 Cor. 5:20).  We speak for the King of Kings, next we’ll be part of the Heavenly administration to manage the next stages of God’s royal plans.  So, the Lord is building character into us, preparing us for Heaven.  This is a shock to many people.

Training to be royalty is not easy, we do not naturally have the characteristics to manage the job.  Thus, the Lord gives us a rigorous course in godly thinking, so we exhibit godly behavior.  The Lord gives us a training manual that has the guidelines for preparation – the Bible. The more we’re acquainted with the manual, the better equipped we become.

The template for a royal priesthood, is: Melchizedek king of Salem…(He was priest of God Most High.) (Gen. 14:18).  God the Father modeled Jesus’ and your future after this man: The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” (Ps. 110:4).  [Melchezedek] is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. (Heb. 7:2).  The order is important. First: righteousness, then a manager/leader.  God’s plan is the opposite of the world’s thinking. The world wants proficiency and expertise, then they might add tidbits of moral character.  Check the curriculum at universities.

In our last devotion we noted several attributes of Melchezedek, that should be on our, to-be-list.  In this devotion we’ll put him in contrast to another king – Bera, King of Sodom.  Bera was a very successful man, having all the credentials for being a leader of people, but he lacked righteousness, in fact he was a despicable scoundrel.

The first distinctions are their names: ‘Melchezedek’ means king of righteousness (Heb. 7:2).  ‘Bera’, means son of evil (Gen 14:2).  Names reveal individual’s character.  Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the LORD. (Gen. 13:13) The people of Sodom took on their king’s character.

Melchezedek’s first action was, to give: brought out bread and wine. (14:18) – Bera first action was to plead (14:21 ‘give me…’).

Melchezedek was patient (14:18) waiting, though he was the leader – Bera was first to be seen with Abram, the victor.  Bera wanted the identification with successful men.

Melchezedek blessed Abram, he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram (14:19) — Bera wanted something from the conqueror: And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.” (14:21).

Melchezedek was a King of Peace, not involved in conflict – Bera was the instigator, and a coward: the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled… (14:10).

Melchezedek gave bread and wine to Abram, but Abram refused to take anything from Bera: that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich.’ (14:23). Abram has a suspicion about Bera.

Melchezedek was thoughtful and generous – Bera was conniving and smarmy (14:21).

Melchezedek offered hospitality and eternal blessing – Bera offered Abram a handsome financial settlement for his services (14:21).

Melchezedek’s offer was fulfilling (14:19) – Bera’s offer was a temptation: that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours (Gen. 14:23).

Melchezedek’s offer was free, unencumbered – Bera’s offer had potential downfall (14:23 ‘I made Abram rich…).

Melchezedek’s blessing was only to Abram – Bera’s offer Abram extended to his hired servants.  What is wrong with that? We know that blessings go through Abram and: in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Gen. 12:3), so the blessing to Abram goes on and on throughout the world.  Bera’s offer is limited to just Abram’s entourage.

Melchezedek worshipped and valued El Elyon = The most High God — Bera’s only concern was his kingdom.  Bera did not want to be a Priest of the Most High God, he did not value the Most High God.  Bera expressed no desire to know Him.  He wanted recognition and his kingdom, but not God.  Satan exhibited the same attitude: Isaiah 14:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will make myself like the Most High.  Bera wanted his position & power back, so he could be esteemed and valued.

Melchezedek valued people and God – Bera, wanted people as his toys: (Gen 19:5) Bring them out to us, that we may know them.”  Sexual deviants would fit in nicely with Bera.

Please understand that you are in training to be righteous, because in the future you will be co-ruling with Jesus Christ. Your position requires that you have attributes of godly wisdom and absolute purity.  There are earthly benefits for these characteristics, and eternal uses for them.  You will never wish that you did not have godly wisdom or purity, you will be eternally grateful, the Lord puts you through the rigors of this training, because these attributes are everlasting and will never tarnish.

However, the training can be daunting, because you will be challenged by your own desires, and by spiritual darkness.  Culture will also throw hammers at your character challenging your choices.  You might be outnumbered and outgunned, but the Lord, the Creator is on your side: This I know, that God is for me. (Ps. 56:9).  Do not feel weak, do not feel alone.

Remember, you’re created to be royalty.  The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. (Ps. 103:19).  You will be: a kingdom, priests to his God and Father (Rev. 1:6). Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? (1 Cor. 6:2).

As believers we have a great heritage.  The Lord is elevating us way beyond our pay grade, but he will prepare us for our coming career change. Get ready, this will be exciting!

By Nathan Werner