TUESDAY-THURSDAY HEBREWS 7:1-28 I N chapter 7 there are three out standing themes: the greatness of the person of Melchisedec; the inferi ority and transitoriness of the priest hood of Aaron; the excellence and per manence of the priesthood of Christ. It is the function of the Mediator to reconcile; of the Advocate, to restore; of the Priest, to sustain; and it is to this last great fact that the reasoning of this chapter ultimately leads us (verse 25). MELCHISEDEC— the type: verses 1-10 This man is spoken of three times in Scripture: in Genesis 14, historically; in Psalm 110, prophetically; in He brews 7, doctrinally. The first two mentions form the basis of the teach ing given in the third; and if we grasp the true significance of that teaching we shall have an enhanced view of the marvellous character of the Old Testament. We shall see that the historical, no less than the other portions of the sacred volume are verily inspired of God; that there is significance in what is omitted as well as in what is recorded; and that in consequence we should “not only sur vey the Bible in its broad landscape of truth, and study its general structure as the literary record of a supernat ural revelation, but alongside of that, to subject individual passages to microscopic analysis.” The personal dignity of Melchisedec — verses 1-4: The first three of these verses form one unbroken sentence; and their main affirmation is better seen if you connect the first three words of verse 1, with the last four words of verse 3: “For this Melchise dec . . . abideth a priest continually.” Between the subject and the predicate lies all that may be known of the king- priest of Salem. (1) He held the double office of king and priest, lived in a palace and officiated in a temple,
by Dr. Lloyd T. Anderson Pastor, Bethany Baptist Church West Covina, Calif. held the sceptre as well as the censer. These two offices were in Israel kept rigidly apart. (2) He blessed Abra ham and was thus the greater man. C3) He received tithes from Abraham who had the promises. (4) He was king of righteousness and king of peace. (5) He was without genealogy: Forget the kindness that you do, As soon as you have done it; Forget the praise that falls on you, The moment you have won it. Forget the slander that you hear, Before you can repeat it; Forget each slight, each spite, each snare, Wherever you may meet it. Remember every kindness done, To you, whatever its measure; Remember praise by others won And pass it on with pleasure. Remember every promise made. And keep it to the letter; Remember those who lend you aid, And be a grateful debtor. Remember all the happiness That comes your way in living; Forget each worry and distress. Be hopeful and forgiving. Remember good, remember truth, Remember heaven's above you, And you will find through age and youth, True joy and hearts to love you. so far as the record is concerned he is “shrouded in the mystery of eternity.” He thus marvellously foreshadows Him who shall one day be a priest upon His throne (Zech. 6:9-13); who is the source of all blessing for man (Eph. 1:3); before whom Abraham 32 THE BEST MEMORY SYSTEM
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