Breaking the mold - May 19

AM Psalm 101, 109:1-4(5-19)20-30; PM Psalm 119:121-144; Ezek. 11:14-25; Heb. 7:1-17; Luke 10:17-24

“King Melchizedek of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham as he was returning from defeating the kings…” This is the way Hebrews 7 begins, with an obscure reference from Genesis 14. The writer in Hebrews paraphrases the ancient Genesis text, passing along the story to create context for the phrase “The Order of Melchizedek” – because Jesus was “designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 5:10). We have no written word of the genealogy of Melchizedek – and from whom one was descended was usually detailed in ancient scriptures. One’s lineage became part of who they were in the present. Priests were descended from Levi; to be a high priest, one had to be descended also from Aaron (whose brother Moses ordained him the first high priest). Melchizedek was different… this mysterious and highly honored priest blessed Abraham. THE Abraham, the one God promised to make a great nation from, and about whom we sing the children’s campfire song, “Father Abraham, had seven sons / Seven sons had father Abraham…”

That “order of Melchizedek” did not accumulate lots of ministers into its ranks. It is not some secret society that Jewish rabbis and Christian priests are initiated into in the 21st century. This order of Melchizedek was only populated by its namesake until Jesus came along. Notice what did happen on account of this piece of our story: Melchizedek opened the pathway to a priesthood without pedigree. Jesus was not a Levite, but from Judah. He was not of the pedigree of the priestly order…yet he taught and healed and performed miracles. Jesus’ ministry on earth became just a portion of what he was equipped to do…for he served, and then he sacrificed himself, making the ultimate offering to God. He died, rose again, and ascended to Heaven. We rehearse in our confession of faith that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God. In Hebrews, we read of Jesus as the great high priest even for us now:

Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Can you just imagine Jesus as the priest in the heavens, in God’s divine house of worship, praying for us and singing songs of praise to God?

It is some dense and “inside ball” Bible stuff, I know. And it is important – because Melchizedek and Jesus hold up for us God’s pattern of breaking molds to bring hope and blessing to those in need. We are being broken open to listen to different perspectives and voices - people of color, women, LGBTQ, and others. Even at Saint Stephen’s, we have broken open the mold of where we worship every Sunday, gathering in the back parking lot or outdoor chapel for prayer and song.

Embrace the brokenness today – either within yourself or the molds broken all around you, and approach Jesus – full of grace – and know that as you approach in boldness, you will be met with mercy and help in time of need.

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

How do you imagine Jesus in heaven? What does the image of Jesus as High Priest conjure for you? Is that an image that is accessible? Comforting? Something different?

Daily Challenge

To read further about the ancient practices of the Israelites, read a few passages from the Bible: Genesis 14:1-20; Exodus 29:1-9, 29-30; Leviticus 8:12, 16:32. Get curious. Take time to study these ancient pieces of our heritage. And think about how worship today holds fast to these traditions, and where it (and we) has changed.