For a full description of the (Y4) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Gen. 14
Melchizedek is a mystery. As far as I know, he is only mentioned three times in the Bible. The first is here in Genesis 14. The second is a verse in Psalms 110. And the third is in the book of Hebrews, where the author writes quite a bit about him in explaining the person of Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews wrote of him, “For this Melchizedek…was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually.” (Heb. 7:1-3). Jesus, too, is righteousness, peace, and High Priest forever, so the connection is obvious.
I feel like there is something significant in Melchizedek’s appearance at this specific time. Something about the defeat of all those kings and Lot’s rescue rings with the tone of Messianic prophecy. Sadly, however, I can’t even remotely specify what that message might be. I did, however, notice one additional interesting detail this morning that connects Jesus to Melchizedek. “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine” (Gen. 14:18a). There is no mention of anything else, simply bread and wine, the two elements that Jesus stated were His body and His blood. It is with the bread and wine that Melchizedek brought blessing to Abram. Likewise, It is through these two elements that Jesus’ righteousness, peace, and priesthood are conferred to us.
Matt. 13
What I get from Jesus’ words about His parables and the people is that hearing, seeing, and understanding don’t stop with what we know as their basic definitions. You don’t truly hear and see something until you understand it. And you don’t truly understand something until you apply it. Furthermore, I see that understanding, which is the link between hearing / seeing and application, requires effort. Thus, Jesus spoke in parables in order to elicit this effort from people. Those whose hearts truly seek Him will make that effort to understand His words and subsequently apply them to their lives.
Neh. 3
I’m always impressed at what a team effort rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem was. Everyone from the high officials on down took part in the effort. And I love how Shallum worked together with his daughters. It’s a great picture of how Christ’s Church should be as we work together to build God’s Kingdom.