“And King Melchizedek of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was priest of God Most High.”
Genesis 14:18
Dear members and friends,
Melchizedek is a true enigma. He appears briefly in Genesis 14, is echoed centuries later in the Messianic promises of Psalm 110, and is finally held up in the Book of Hebrews as the ultimate symbol of the eternal nature of Jesus’ priesthood.
Interestingly, the mystery extends even to the New Testament; we still do not know for sure who wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews. Regarding this, the 3rd-century theologian Origen famously summarized: “Who wrote the epistle, in truth, God knows.” This lack of human certainty on stories in the Bible only highlights the divine fingerprint on the story.
As we reflect on this mysterious King, a few details emerge that challenge our traditional understanding of biblical history:
- Formal worship through Moses and the Levitical Law didn’t begin until nearly 500 years after Abram met Melchizedek. This tells us that God was active and being worshipped long before the religious structures we recognize were built.
- Before the identity of the Israelites was fully established, God was already being worshipped as El Elyon (“God Most High”) in the land of Canaan. It suggests that God’s light has always been reaching out into the corners of the world, even in places we don’t expect to find it.
- Thousands of years before the Last Supper, these specific elements were already being offered by a priest-king. This connection bridges the gap between the ancient world and our modern Communion table.
Perhaps the revelation given to Moses at the burning bush was not the start of a brand-new religion, but a revolutionary reformation of a faith that already existed in the ancient world. It is a powerful reminder that God and humans had a deep relationship long before Abram or Moses appeared on the scene.
My brothers and sisters in God, this story invites us to reflect on the depth of our own faith. Let us take time to consider what we believe, how we judge others, and why we choose the paths we follow. May the presence of God—who is both infinite love and perfect wisdom—illuminate your hearts and minds as we prepare to gather this week.
Blessings,
Rev. Junchol Lee