Hebrews 7:1-19; Psalm 119:153-160

Hebrews 7:1-19
The writer of Hebrews recounts the story of Abraham's meeting Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-10) to show that Christ is greater than Abraham (remember that he is writing to Jews who reverenced Abraham) and to show that Christ's priesthood is greater than the Jewish priesthood. Melchizedek is an Old Testament picture of the coming great High Priest, Jesus Christ Himself.

Here are some characteristics of Melchizedek which point to Christ:

• He was a priest of God Most High. v. 1
• He is said to remain a priest forever. v. 8
• No record is given of his beginning or end. v. 3
• He came from a different tribe than the Old Testament priests. They came from Levi, and Christ came from Judah. v. 14
• A greater Priest was needed in order to achieve perfection. v. 11

The Old Testament priests sinned and died like everyone else. Their animal sacrifices had to be repeated. Jesus came as the perfect High Priest and the perfect sacrifice for our sins. This sacrifice was made once and for all at the cross. When Christ came, the Old Testament priesthood was "set aside because it was weak and useless. For the law never made anything perfect. But now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God." vv. 18-19

The law was never intended to save people, but to point out sin and point to Christ. Old Testament believers had faith in the promises of God which included the coming Messiah. Salvation comes through Christ whose sacrifice on the cross offers forgiveness of our sins.

Psalm 119:153-160
The psalmist calls out to God in his suffering and danger. Notice v. 160, "The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever."

God embodies truth; therefore, He cannot lie, and His Word cannot lie or deceive. We can count on it as our guide, and it will never be destroyed!