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Became a Christian on the 10/03/00 and my life hasn't been the same since... I went to Uganda, China and South Africa on short term mission, spent 4 years at Bristol University, and five working in Kent & London. I'm now enjoying working as a student pastor in Leeds, being married and learning to be a dad!

Sunday, November 02, 2008

Melchizedek

As it says in another place: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek”

That’s you Jesus – you’re a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. Whatever that means...


A Picture

· What is the capital city of Scotland?
· Who captained England to the football world cup in 1966?
· Select the correct words from the selection in brackets. “[There/Their/They’re] is [there/their/they’re] house. [There/Their/They’re] very nice people.

Imagine you had to answer a series of questions like these, and then had to go for an interview with your local MP every year to be granted British citizenship.

Unless are granted citizenship you can’t get a job, you can’t marry and you can’t own property. In all, you can’t be a member of the community of Britain unless you have the mark of citizenship.

Imagine the fear that generates and the hold that parliament have over our lives.

Suddenly we hold parliament in a lot higher regard. We start to respect and speak highly of our MPs because it’s in our interests to do so. Most of all we will outwardly revere Tony Blair whilst he was the Prime Minister. He was the ultimate authority on this matter of citizenship. It was Tony who tests the MPs every year to see if they still make the grade.

Whilst parliament gives us the set of laws we have to abide by – in our day to day life our actions are much more determined by our boss. When we get up in the morning and what we do during the day are determined by our boss, and the boss is not that great.

We’re stuck reporting to an unjust boss and living in fear that we won’t be good enough for citizenship. Good times!

One day you get a call from Buckingham palace. The Queen wants you to work for her. She wants you to use the stuff you’re good at for her benefit. In return she will sign off on all your citizenship exams and be a fair and just boss who pays well and allows you to rest when you need it.

Even Tony Blair reports to the Queen. You are now working for a higher authority and don’t need to worry any more about not making the grade. You’re a genuine citizen who can live in peace. More than that – you have a boss who is above the rules set out by parliament. You live well, happy and in peace.


An Explanation

In the book of Hebrews the Priests are analogous to the members of parliament, and Tony Blair as the PM represents the high priest. The Jews of the time had a dual reporting structure. They were firstly to obey all the laws set out by the priests to stay ‘Clean’ and they were responsible to their boss. Whoever that was – the king, the emperor, the slave drivers – whoever.

Melchizedek is characterised as both ‘priest’ and ‘king’. He was not just any priest – the greatest high priest ever – in fact the high priest who holds more power and authority than any other. He was not just any king – the greatest and fairest king ever – his name means king of peace and king of righteousness.

“You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek”

This means that Jesus is not just any priest. He is the greatest priest ever to live. He has greater authority and power than any before him. In fact he was so great and so powerful that he completed the traditional duty of the priest so that there was no longer any need for priests.

Jesus has done away with the need for us to complete tests and interviews and certain tasks for the priest. We are citizens of God’s kingdom, members of God house and adopted in his family without ever having to do anything. Why? Because he has ultimately completed the test – in our place. He has taken our punishment and shame of being ultimately excluded from citizenship and come back as our King.

“In the order of Melchizedek”

This means he is also Boss. Not just any boss but one who is committed to peace, righteousness and justice. Melchizedek was King and Priest – Jesus is our King as well as our Great High Priest. As our king he calls us to live for him. To use all our skill and strength and ability for his benefit. He is a fair boss. He doesn’t give you work to do without giving you the tools to do it. He doesn’t work you into the ground. He loves you.


An Outcome
1. We are free from the suffocating fear of rejection by the church and ultimately by God.
2. We have a boss who cares passionately about the people we love and the person we are.
3. Our work now has a purpose and meaning far bigger and greater than we could imagine.