Notes — Sunday, June 14th, 2009
Dear friends,
This Sunday we will participate in the Lord’s Supper as we remember the Lord’s death until he returns, according to His command. Psalm 110:4 The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” Obviously these are serious words which we need to understand: how is Christ after the order of Melchizedek? After all Christ is our High Priest as we noted yesterday.
What is the function of a priest? Why do Protestant churches generally not have a priesthood? These are complicated questions and believers have differed on these issues for over 1500 years. Which is greater, the authority of the church or Scripture? I encourage you to explore these questions in your own reading. At the end of the day I think we all ought to ask: “what do the Scriptures say?
These are the main Scriptures involved: Gen.14, Ps.110, Heb.5-7. Definitely we should not follow those who build a huge elaborate doctrine or order on these few Scriptures. The principle of resting on the plain meaning of Scripture is far better than emphasizing minor and limited teaching as major and authoritative doctrinal issues. Let’s build our life on what is plain in the Word, not obscure. I think this assessment is correct: Noted Greek scholar A.T. Robertson states,” he is not to be understood as a miraculous being without birth or death. Melchizedek has been made more mysterious than he is by reading into the interpretation what is not there.” (Word pictures in the N.T.)
This week I would like for you to read thoughtfully through Genesis 14, Psalm 110, and Hebrews chapters 5-7. Note the characteristics of the priesthood of Melchizedek and compare it with the priesthood of Aaron and how superior Christ is to the old order in the Law of Moses. Why was a new priest needed in the first place? Here is a helpful article on this issue which seems to me to be fair and balanced. I am not that familiar with Let Us Reason Ministries nor is this an endorsement.
This Sunday we can see how Jesus is our High Priest who intercedes for us and to whom we are commanded to confess our sins as found in Luke 11:4, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:8-10. The Lord’s Supper is for sinners, and I think we all qualify there.
See you Sunday,
Lee
