King and Priest – Gen 14:17-24; Ps 110 & Heb 7
In the nation of Israel no king could be a priest, and no priest could be a king, but before the establishment of the nation we read of an utterly unique priest-king. In this sermon, Pastor David explains how the mysterious figure known as Melchizedek points us forward to the utterly unique role of Jesus Christ, the ultimate King and Priest.
Genesis 14:17–24 After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) 19 And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. 21 And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, but take the goods for yourself.” 22 But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “I have lifted my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, 23 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.’ 24 I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me. Let Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre take their share.”
Psalm 110:4 The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
Hebrews 7:25 Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.