15 And it’s even clearer if another priest appears who is like Melchizedek. 16 He has become a priest by the power of a life that can’t be destroyed, rather than a legal requirement about physical descent. 17 This is confirmed:
You are a priest forever,
according to the order of Melchizedek.[a]
Able to save completely
18 On the one hand, an earlier command is set aside because it was weak and useless 19 (because the Law made nothing perfect). On the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. 20 And this was not done without a solemn pledge! The others have become priests without a solemn pledge, 21 but this priest was affirmed with a solemn pledge by the one who said,
The Lord has made a solemn pledge
and will not change his mind:
You are a priest forever.
22 As a result, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
Reflection
As we read through today’s scripture passage we cannot help but ask “who was Melchizadek?” Let me share briefly what I have concluded in my exploration of this fellow named Melchizedek.
The Hebrew Bible, aka the Old Testament, contains the first mention of Melchizedek in Genesis 14, followed by a mention in Psalm 110. “The Order of Melchizadek” is a metaphor for one who is sinless, perfect, unending, and decreed as such by God. This is the total opposite of the ancient Levitical priesthood that was inherited through one’s lineage. Those within the Levitical Priesthood of Hebrew tradition were temporary, flawed, imperfect and could not last forever. Much, much later, within the New Testament, long after the life of Jesus, in the Letter to the Hebrews, we hear again of Melchizedek, which Christians have interpreted to be a metaphor for Christ.
Scripture is filled with metaphors. I find it helpful when referring to these two different orders of priests to think of the groupings as the Old Covenant (before Christ) and the New Covenant (after Christ). I also like to refer to the New Covenant as THE PRIESTHOOD OF ALL BELIEVERS. This New Covenant invites all who are called God’s Children to follow in the ways of Jesus. Each of us who follow in the footsteps of Jesus will be “A Priest Forever” as promised in today’s scripture reading.
by Kathleen Stolz
For Pondering and Prayer
So just how do we follow the ways of Jesus the Christ?
One of the habits which guide me in following Jesus is reading and contemplating a daily devotion. Recently I was contemplating Matthew 10:16 and discovered a helpful image for Pastor Joe’s new sermon series entitled “Both/And.” Jesus called his disciples to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. BOTH/AND!
In a devotional, Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvatierra wrote “Serpent power is evident and measurable – it is the power of force, wealth, social influence and numbers. There is nothing wrong with the use of serpent power with integrity. However, if all we use is serpent power, we have lost our unique call and contribution – the capacity to embody the power of the dove. When we take dove power seriously, we take seriously the best in people, the reality of the image of God in each of us and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.”
God has made a promise to us and will not change God’s mind. Jesus is the guarantee of a better covenant. We, too, have a part to play in that covenant. We should not call ourselves Christian if we do not intend to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Each of us who follow the path of Jesus shall be A PRIEST FOREVER. Wise words that I will continue to ponder.
What change(s) might you make in your life to demonstrate that you are a member of
the Priesthood of All Believers?
Prayer: Creator God, remind me daily to give thanks for the opportunities you offer to be faithful caregivers of your world. I pray that I might be your faithful priest in all that I say and do. Help me to be both a serpent and a dove in building relationships with people who may think differently from me. Guide my thoughts, actions and words so that I might lovingly and respectfully follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
