Saturday's Scripture Story
This week's story provides the initial backdrop to Jesus being called a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.
The story comes to us in Genesis 14 after Abraham has rescued his nephew lot and family (amongst others) from some rival kings in the area. Melchizedek is called a priest of the God Most High and brings out bread and wine to Abraham and those who fought alongside him. What happens in the following exchange gives background to the ministry of Jesus and His relationship to us and all of God's people that He serves.
The Priest Melchizedek
Genesis 14:17-24
17 After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).
18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, 19 and he blessed Abram, saying,
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
Creator of heaven and earth.
20 And praise be to God Most High,
who delivered your enemies into your hand.”
Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
21 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.”
22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, 23 that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’ 24 I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me—to Aner, Eshkol and Mamre. Let them have their share.”
Prayer
Father God, thank You for providing someone who would come to bless us in so many ways, including a gift of bread and wine that is far exceeds whatever Melchizedek brought to Abraham. Thank You for the forgiveness that comes through Jesus’ body and blood in, with and under the bread and wine of Holy Communion. May we treat it with respect and celebrate it with joy. Amen.