Expressions of Faith. Hebrews 7. What's in a name?


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. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.
Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham. This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater. In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.
 Hebrews 7:1-10

What’s in a Name?

My mom’s name is Burdella.
She’s the only Burdella I’ve ever known, although once there was another in the hospital at the same time she was there.
I doubt that there were many Melchizedek’s around in his day, either.

My mom was named by a maiden aunt. As far as I know, it has no special meaning.
Melchizedek is a name of significance.

Melchizedek = King of Righteousness and King of Salem
King of Salem = King of Peace

This obscure Old Testament character is used as a prefigure of Christ in this text.

Imagine that.

Imagine someone choosing you to illustrate the characteristics of the Son of God.

Chances are good that your name is not Melchizedek.
You’re probably not king or queen of anything.

The good news is:
Whatever you name is, your “other name” can be “Child of God/Christian.”

If that’s not your “other name,” ask Christ to save you today.
Become one with Him and a Child of God!


Next Expression of Faith: Complete Salvation
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