October 18 - Hebrews 5: Take the Mercy

The author is taking the Hebrews and us into the Story of Christ.  He's developing His character by comparing Him to familiar Old Testament stories - Christ is above the angels (ch. 1-2); He's superior to Moses and Joshua (ch.3-4); and far beyond Aaron (ch. 5).  In chapter 5, Christ is now identified as belonging to the royal order of Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20), a briefly mentioned character, referred to as the King of Righteousness and Peace, who had no family background and whose death is not recorded.  Why is Melchizedek mentioned?

"[God] was painting a picture of the Priest to come who, unlike every other priest in the order of Aaron, was also King; the Man who, with neither beginning nor end, on the basis of His indestructible life would rule over [God's] people as King and at the same time advocate for My people as Priest. No king in Israel could function as priest. No priest in Israel was ever king."  (66LL)

This had to be an "aha" moment for many Jews - the meaning and purpose of the enigmatic Melchizedek revealed.  I'm grateful that this information fits together another piece of the Old Testament and New Testament puzzle.  But, beyond this bit of intellectual satisfaction, so what?  Why is Jesus identified with this mysterious character?

"And now, as your Great high Priest - not like the sinful Aaron, who had limited access into My Presence, a man who died a normal death and remained in the grave, but like Melchizedek, who in picture form neither sinned nor died - My Son knows exactly what you're going through and what it takes not to shrink back.  He feels the strength of your temptation to escape from your tympanum [your cross], to renounce My story and tell your own, to protect yourself from relational pain in any way that works, and to live the lukewarm good-enough Christian life that My Son and I thoroughly detest.  And he has already given you the life you need to overcome that seemingly irresistible temptation."  (66LL)

He's in touch with our reality... take the mercy, accept the help.  (4:14-16)