This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. Hebrews 7:1-2
In today's western world, we hear about the "high priest" mostly when we read the Bible. The role doesn't really exist in our society and it certainly doesn't play a prominent, daily function. As a result, I've often struggled with understanding the importance of the high priest.
My understanding changed when I began to think of the high priest as the best lawyer in the land and me playing the role of defendant. There are lots lawyers out there, but if I'm accused of a crime, I want the best one! I would want the most experienced and successful lawyer around to argue my innocence before the judge. That is what the high priest did. He made sin offerings to God on the people's behalf! Now, if I have lots of bad sins, and I do, my offering requirement may be so great that I couldn't supply it. As a result, I couldn't be forgiven!
Thankfully, we have Jesus as our High Priest and not only does He know the judge, He's provided my offering so my sins are forgiven! He's the best lawyer and I'm now innocent in the judge's eyes!
Join me in reading Hebrews 7 and be encouraged!
