The Bible says the truth of Melchizedek is for those who are ready to move from milk to solid food.
Heb 5:10-12…(Jesus) was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek. 11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because…You need milk, not solid food! NIV
As we move into a deeper place with God He is enlarging our appetite. This is my declaration over the church in this next season!
Col 1:10-12 You will produce fruit in every good work and grow in the knowledge of God. 11 God will strengthen you with his own great power so that you will not give up when troubles come, but you will be patient. 12 And you will joyfully give thanks to the Father who has made you able to have a share in all that he has prepared for his people in the kingdom of light. NCV
There is this curious interaction between Abram and Melchizedek 450 years before the Law would be given reiterating this expression of sacrificial blessing and sacrificial worship.
Gen 14:18-20 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. NIV
Legacy is not just about your family. Legacy is about your spiritual family. Melchizedek released a blessing into Abraham’s life that contributed to all he would become. How significant was the blessing of Melchizedek?
Your destiny is not merely the sum of your life. Your destiny involves the influence of your life into the lives of others, both now and to future generations.
Jonathan Edwards was born on October 5, 1703. He married Sarah Pierrepont, and according to A Study in Education and Heredity by A.E. Winship (1900) , their descendants included a U.S. Vice-President, three U.S. Senators, three governors, three mayors, 13 college presidents, 30 judges, 65 professors, 80 public office holders, 100 lawyers and 100 missionaries.
This same study examined the legacy of Max Jukes. He was born around 1720 and was known as a hard drinker, idle, irreverent and uneducated. His descendants included 310 paupers, 50 women of debauchery, 400 physically wrecked by indulgent living, seven murderers, 60 thieves, and 130 other convicts.
There is a legacy that will be produced from the culture of your life. You can never leave a meaningful legacy until you first live a meaningful legacy.
Clearly Melchizedek speaks of Jesus in Scripture. The Amplified translation helps make this very clear in Hebrews 7:
Hebrews 7:2 And Abraham gave to him a tenth portion of all [the spoil]. He is primarily, as his name when translated indicates, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, which means king of peace. AMP
Jesus is revealed throughout the Old and New Testament. We see Jesus in the water that came from the rock. We see Jesus in the rock that was struck so water could come to satisfy the thirst of humanity. We see Jesus in the rod of God that struck the rock! We see Jesus in Moses the deliverer who took the rod to strike the rock to release the water.
We see Melchizedek bringing bread and wine to release God’s blessing just as Jesus brought his body and his blood to release God’s blessing. We not only see Jesus in the bread that came down in the wilderness. Jesus actually says I Am the Bread that came down - John 6:51
Some theologians believe that Melchizedek was actually a pre-incarnate (pre-Bethlehem) appearance of Jesus. Genesis is filled with genealogies, but for Melchizedek there is no record of his lineage, before or after.
Abram gave not because he had a legalistic requirement but because he had a revelation of Christ. This was before the Law and had nothing to do with the Law. This was actually 450 years before The 10 Commandments were given.
Melchizedek released a blessing into Abraham’s life that contributed to all he would become. How significant was the blessing of Melchizedek? The Hebrew word for “tithe” is “maaser”. The Hebrew word for “rich” is “aser”. The word rich is found in the word tithe. Tithing positions you to become an expression of God’s riches and blessing in the earth.
This teaching is for the mature. Immaturity replaces sacrifice with self. I’m unwilling to sacrifice because I’m too devoted to myself. Infants who need milk have a selfish and demanding existence. Parents live a loving and sacrificial life.
The expression of your surrendered life is the legacy of Christ in the earth – love, serve, give.
We Bring GP2RL:
Take some time this week to pray about bringing your time, talent and treasure before God as we gather next week to worship.
DISCUSSION GUIDE FOR COMMUNITY GROUP LEADERS
Click here for a downloadable pdf file of this guide.
DISCUSSION QUESTION:
1. What was something that stood out to you from Sunday’s message?
There are some interesting and deep truths surrounding this person the Bible describes as the king of righteousness and the king of peace.
Old Testament Reference:
Gen 14:18-20 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. NIV
New Testament Reference:
Hebrews 7:2 Abraham gave to him a tenth portion of all [the spoil]. He is primarily, as his name when translated indicates, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, which means king of peace.” Amplified
In both Old and New Testament when Melchizedek is referenced it involves the principle of tithing.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
2. What financial situation did you grow up with (i.e. not enough money, just made ends meet, more than enough, it varied, etc.)?
3. What did your parents do, if anything, to help train you to manage your finances?
4. What are the primary differences between a person who owns their “stuff” and a person whose “stuff” owns them?
Managing your finances well positions you to live a consistently generous life. Declare this verse over your life, your family and your legacy this week.
Col 1:10-12 You will produce fruit in every good work and grow in the knowledge of God. 11 God will strengthen you with his own great power so that you will not give up when troubles come, but you will be patient. 12 And you will joyfully give thanks to the Father who has made you able to have a share in all that he has prepared for his people in the kingdom of light. NCV
DISCUSSION QUESTION:
5. This week reflect on giving at the dinner table. Ask each person to share “What gifts did I receive today? What am I grateful for?” Then ask, “What did I give today? How did I help someone?” Take a moment and answer these questions in your group before you conclude.
We Bring GP2RL Action Point:
Prayerfully consider what your giving and serving should look like next year as part of the Destiny family.
Come to church Sunday prepared to express that as your personal ministry to God.