King of Righteousness and Peace

This Melchizedek was king of the city of Salem and also a priest of God Most High. When Abraham was returning home after winning a great battle against the kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him. Then Abraham took a tenth of all he had captured in battle and gave it to Melchizedek. The name Melchizedek means “king of justice,” and king of Salem means “king of peace.” There is no record of his father or mother or any of his ancestors—no beginning or end to his life. He remains a priest forever, resembling the Son of God. Consider then how great this Melchizedek was. Even Abraham, the great patriarch of Israel, recognized this by giving him a tenth of what he had taken in battle…And Melchizedek placed a blessing upon Abraham, the one who had already received the promises of God. And without question, the person who has the power to give a blessing is greater than the one who is blessed…For although Levi wasn’t born yet, the seed from which he came was in Abraham’s body when Melchizedek collected the tithe from him. Hebrews 7:1-10 NLT

When Abram was called upon to engage in a battle, Melchizedek blessed him. “‘And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine. Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.’ Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered’” (Genesis 14:18-20). Then, the next time the name Melchizedek will be mentioned was when David, the king of Israel led by the Holy Spirit, was used by God to pronounce this prophecy about the coming of the Messiah: “‘The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow: ‘You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek’” (Psalm 110:4). God’s plan of redemption was through a Messiah who will reign in righteousness and peace. The implication of what the writer of Hebrews emphasized from the text is that the coming of Jesus Christ fulfilled the prophecies for His reign will be characterized by righteousness and peace. In Isaiah 9:6-7, it says, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” The Lord Jesus Christ was identified both our righteousness and peace. “…if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1 ESV).” “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:13-14 ESV). So, the Lord Jesus Christ had shown to us in His character, righteousness and peace. When He returns, He will be declared King of kings and Lord of lords. “On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16 ESV). It is only in the Lord Jesus Christ we will find what is real peace and true righteousness. When we have a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, we will be sustained to live in this broken world experiencing His peace and His righteousness.

Blessings,