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Question: What do we know about Melchizedek? Answer: Not much. The king of Salem is found only in Genesis 14.  We  know he was a king; He was a priest of God Most High (18); He blessed Abraham (19); Abraham paid a tithe to him (20).

Melchizedek’s Importance: 

• He was a type of Jesus Christ. We know nothing of his lineage, nor his birth or death. As such it is said of him by the Hebrew writer, “having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually” (3). Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, who ever lives as our High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

What we learn from Melchizedek:

• Christ’s priesthood is greater than that of the Levitical priesthood, “but he whose genealogy is not derived from them [the sons of Levi] received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better” (6-7).
• Jesus’ coming as a new high priest, proves that the Levitical priesthood was not perfect, otherwise there would be no need for Jesus to serve as High Priest (11).
• “The priesthood being changed, of necessity there is a change of law” (12). Jesus was from Judah so could not serve as a priest under the Old Covenant. The priestly tribe under the Old Covenant was Levi. Our hope is better as we draw near to God through our great High Priest, Jesus Christ!

In Joel 2, the prophet called for Judah to repent to avoided God’s judgment. As Joel wrote, “For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; who can endure it” (2:11).

Consider this call to repent: “‘Now, therefore,’ says the LORD, ‘Turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.’ So rend your heart, and not your garments; return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm. Who knows if He will turn and relent, And leave a blessing behind Him — a grain offering and a drink offering for the LORD your God?” (Joel 2:12-14).

Lessons we learn from Joel:

1. Our repentance must be complete and without reservation (cf. 2 Corinthians 7:10).
2. Mere outward expressions of sorrow are not sufficient, “rend your heart and not your garments” (cf. 2 Corinthians 7:9). It is not a show to others, it arises from genuine sorrow for the sins we have committed against God.
3. Repentance is what impacts God’s actions toward us. “Who knows if He will turn and relent.” Of course, as His children today, our emphasis is spiritual. Our repentance from sin ALWAYS brings forgiveness, though we might bear long with the physical consequences of our misdeeds (cf. 1 John 2:9).

Our Lord Jesus taught us to love, and to exercise mercy and forbearance toward others. With this the writings of all the apostles agree. This is because the Holy Spirit is the author of scripture. What the men wrote agree with Jesus because the Holy Spirit and Jesus are one. This is affirmed in John 16. In this passage Jesus said of the Spirit, “He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.”

In the midst of calls to love and practice patience with others, Paul wrote by inspiration in Titus 3:10-11, “Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.” We might ask, “Why does Paul encourage such fast discipline against this type of sin?”

Consider it’s nature, as described here. Division is antithetical to the unity to which Christians are called. Jesus prayed that we might all be one as He and the Father were one. A divisive man is a destructive force, thwarting the efforts for us all to be one!

The divisive man is warped. His nature has not been altered by his nominal claim to be a follower of the Lord. His actions condemn him, and if he is unwilling to change his ways, he should be refused quickly.

The divisive man infects the body of Christ. This we must not allow!

The Hebrew writer, in the first part of chapter 9, describes the implements of sacrifice and worship under the old covenant. He included in his description things like the tabernacle itself, as well as lampstand, the table, the showbread the ark of the covenant and its contents. He called them “ordinances of divine service” (1).

The point of his book is to describe the difference between the old and new, showing  the superiority of Jesus and His new covenant of grace for men.  That is why this chapter begins with the phrase, “Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service.”

Consider the intent of the writing.  If even the old covenant had these things, and they were holy, designating worship and service to God.  How much more important are the “ordinances of divine service” under the New Covenant!  What are those ordinances? Consider the singing of psalms. The praying of prayers. The observance of Jesus’ sacrifice on each first day of the week when we serve His supper. Our free will offerings each Lord’s day. Consider also calls to evangelize, edify and help the poor. To care for Christian widows and the indigent.  Finally consider the calls to love, to obey, to “Be holy, for I [God] am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).

     We dare not neglect ordinances of divine service under the new covenant! (cf. 2:3).

Titus 2 tells us that Jesus appeared on earth over 2,000 years ago, giving Himself for us by dying a sacrificial death on the cross, “that He might redeem us from every lawless deed.” (14).

Our appreciation for what Jesus did is without limitation. Paul reveals here that no matter how heinous our sins have been, redemption is available to all. Think of the very worst atrocity of any man. No matter the degree of degradation and sin, redemption is available. Paul called himself the “chief” among sinners, because of His persecution of Jesus and His disciples. And yet he was redeemed and purified as one of God’s elect.

Is that fair? Wrong question! “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The fact is that you and I are every bit as guilty of sin and worthy of condemnation as the rankest and most vile. We all are unacceptable to God as our Creator. But God loves us, and so sent His only begotten son to be the sacrifice, redeemer, propitiation for our sin. (Propitiation — the act which regains the favor or goodwill of our just God). In effect, Jesus paid the price for sin so that we do not have to.

So, as it impacts us this is about mercy and grace, not fairness. And we are so glad this is true. How about you? Do you think about God’s love and mercy given to you?

In Proverbs 22, a section of scripture begins which is headed in the NKJV Bible, “Sayings of the Wise.” While this heading is given by men rather than inspiration, it is certainly applicable to the passages which follow.  An example:

“Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set” (Proverbs 22:28)

A landmark is a boundary. It is used to determine the limits of property. Here it is used to express the importance of respecting boundaries. In ancient times, this was the only way of authoritatively establishing ownership. In other words, removing or relocating a boundary that had been long established was tantamount to robbery! A similar prohibition can be seen at Deuteronomy 19:14.

Our application? God’s word. God has established, in olden times, the boundary of right and wrong. Today our tendency is to remove that ancient landmark to satisfy our own desires and whims. Just like any effort to move a boundary to gain advantage, altering or ignoring God’s word is disrespectful, devious and plain wrong.

It’s fine for the worldly to be progressive, and ancient teachings are not always the best way to go in modern culture.  That is, if they are written by men.  But, the Bible is God’s word.  It is timeless!  It must be respected!

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation” (Hebrews 9:27-28).

Mankind experienced the first advent of the Christ.  As Paul wrote, He came to earth, “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). This sacrificial death is how He bore those sins, and served as a propitiation or appeasing sacrifice to the justice of the Father. We read in the New Testament the sacrifice, and the Father’s acceptance of that sacrifice. The Hebrew writer, “By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Hebrews 10:10).

What we haven’t experienced in the second advent of Christ. When He comes again, it will be apart from sin.  The work of redemption has been accomplished in His sacrifice on the cross. In contrast His second coming will be as a conquering King! He will gloriously appear in the sky. He will bring all of His chosen ones to His bosom, and will deliver them to an eternity in His presence (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. “Therefore comfort one another with these words” (4:18).

In Zechariah 3:1-5 we see a vision delivered from God via Zechariah to the remnant of Israel. In it the present High Priest, Joshua, received cleansing as Satan, the adversary and accuser of mankind, stood by. The vision is not easy to fully interpret, but there are certain helpful truths that clearly present themselves.

First, understand that Satan is our personal opponent and seeks our eternal destruction (cf. Job 1:7-12). We are always to resist him through righteousness. “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

Second, understand that Satan has no power over God. God alone is sovereign and supreme. Like any other created being, Satan is subject to God and His judgment.  As the text here shows, God rebuked Satan, and promised the redemption and restoration of His people despite Satan’s efforts. (cf. Amos 4:11).

Third and finally, consider the wonderful nature and extent of God’s cleansing. Without God’s mercy in sending his Son, our sins defile us. “And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags…” (Isaiah 64:6). The High Priest’s filthy garments were replaced with rich robes, and a clean turban was put on his head.

When we through faith in Christ respond to God, all of our filthiness is taken away!

Certain unique characteristics of Christ make Him the great and sufficient High Priest for us today. Note the points made by the Hebrew writer in chapters 4 & 5.

Jesus passed through the heavens (4:14). This makes Him great.  His ascension and exaltation (cf. “the firstfruits”, 1 Corinthians 15:23) indicate that His position emanates from the Father in heaven.

Jesus can sympathize with the weakness of men (4:15).  All have been tempted and sin (cf. Romans 3:23). Jesus is uniquely qualified to offer a sacrifice for sin because of His Deity, as seen in the preceding point. But also as One who has been tempted like we have, “yet without sin” (5:15).

He was appointed by God. (5:1-4).  No high priest can simply appoint Himself to the position. In the Old Testament, God appointed the tribe of Levi and the house of Aaron for this important work. The High Priest was the one to offer the sacrifice for the sin of the people. Under the New Covenant the Father appointed Jesus, after the priesthood of Melchizedek as uniquely the High Priest for all of humanity (5:5-6).

Jesus is uniquely qualified and has been perfected by His death, resurrection and ascension. He has become the “author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest…” (5:9-10).

“But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance” (1 Timothy 4:7-9).

The fitness industry in America is a 22.4 Billion industry. Despite this fact, the obesity rate in America (BMI>30) is over 40% among adults.

What Paul wrote is true. Bodily exercise (and a good diet) does do some good. The problem is focus and priority. Jesus said, “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

In contrast to the good that exercise can do, to spiritually exercise yourself to godliness is far better and more important.  Why is this so? Jesus said it. It is because of the eternal nature of the soul!

Paul emphasized the same. It has “the promise of the life that now is (like physical exercise) and of that which is to come” (where it is uniquely helpful). That is why it is such a “faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.” Think about it!

Paul had a problem to solve when he wrote his personal appeal to Philemon. Philemon had a slave, the slave had become a Christian and was helpful to Paul, but Paul knew it would be wrong to impose his desire regarding the slave, Onesimus, without Philemon’s permission.

How was the problem solved? By all three men acting selflessly. Paul deferred to Philemon, Philemon deferred to Paul, Onesimus deferred to both men. All showed love, humility, selflessness, and the brotherhood that is seen in Christ. A circumstance that was fraught with potential tension and conflict was resolved because of the Christian attitudes that existed and were acted upon.

No doubt you, (as do I), have a problem with slavery. This article is not about that. It is noting this truth: You can make laws, compel or shame —  however, if one is not of a mind to treat others with love and selflessness, problems follow.

Instead, the way of the Lord is love, service and sacrifice. It is selflessness. If that is the way we all act, then God’s desires will be upheld and served.

This is the solution, though many refuse to follow it. This is the way of God, and should be our practice as well. Think about it.

The text of Ephesians 3 references the “fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ” (9). While it was hidden through the ages, it was finally revealed as first came John, then Jesus Himself, and then the ambassadors that Jesus sent into the world, inspired by the Holy Spirit (cf. John 15:13-15).

Those who lived faithfully toward God, but lived and died before Jesus, “did not receive the promise” apart from us (Hebrews 11). Paul writes about this in 2 Corinthians 3:15-16, “But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord the veil is taken away.”

Peter referred to the prophets who sought to know this mystery, but Peter made clear that the prophets were ministering to those of us who live in these last days, when the gospel of Christ would be preached, “things which angels desire to look into” (1 Peter 1:12).

So in the revealing of that mystery, we return back to our initial text in Ephesians 3. It has now been revealed “by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets” (5). This revealed mystery is encapsulated in the promise that all men, both Jews and Gentiles, “should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel” (7).

In our culture today, the word “doctrine” has a negative connotation. In effect, most believe that anyone who emphasizes doctrine in his teaching is divisive  and sectarian.  Add the word “sound” and now you can include judgmental to the stereotype.  In contrast, many claim that all we need to do is emphasize the love of Jesus and His Father, and solely trust in His mercy and longsuffering to ensure acceptance by Him.

Paul told Titus, his young evangelist friend, “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1).  Consider what this includes (as seen in his instructions).  Older men are to be sound in faith.  Older women as well, and also reverent in behavior. Younger women are to be obedient to their husbands, “that the word of God may not be blasphemed” (2:5). The younger men are to show integrity in doctrine.  Other things are mentioned, but these directly impact the idea of doctrinal teaching having importance and relevance.

We are to “declare the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). Doctrine is in fact God’s instructions for man given through the words of inspiration. We should accept the reality that in any area where God has directed us, our options are only to ignore, rebel, or submit. Submission is God’s way. You may ignore or rebel at your own peril!

In John 5, we read of the healing of a man who had been lame for a long time. It is an interesting narrative, and one of the first times in Jesus’ ministry that He came under fire by the Jews, who were angry at Jesus for healing this man on the Sabbath day.

Our interest comes from verses 2-4. “Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had” (John 5:2-4). Notice that the healing of an individual came if he was the first to step into the pool at the appointed time. Continue reading “Jesus and Healing” →

Back in 1979 the funny Peter Sellers starred in a movie called Being There.  It is a story of an uneducated gardener who is thrown into society for the first time and by his simple, cryptic allusions to gardening is taken to be a wise man. He eventually becomes a major advisor to the President of the United States, and is touted by some to replace him in the next term.

It turns out he was a fool. Inscrutable, but a fool. I don’t think I have seen the entire movie, but excerpts I saw showed a masterful performance by Sellers. The movie comes to mind when I read Proverbs 27:27-28, “He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.”

A knowledgeable, but humble person sees no reason to flout his knowledge.  His words are few.  Reticence does not indicate ignorance as in the movie. But, conversely a man can be construed as wise if he keeps his mouth shut.

What doesn’t work is a fool, through his words, trying  to convince someone he is wise! As Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 5:3, “…a fool’s voice is known by his many words.” Something to think about next time before we speak up and show our ignorance!