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A Word for this Week” - Pastor Bill Mugnolo

Week of March 18-24, 2024: “Our True King of Righteousness” …

Hebrews 5:5-10.

The name Melchizedek, while Biblical, is one that we rarely use as a boy’s name in our land. But it’s meaning is very rich as it means “king of righteousness”. Melchizedek, as we learn from Genesis 14, was a local king of the city that someday would become Jerusalem. He is also spoken of as a priest of God Most High.

Melchizedek, in thanksgiving for helping in a battle against a rival king, would offer to Abraham—then still known as Abram—a simple fellowship meal of bread and wine along with a short blessing. But Abram was so moved by this offering that he gave Melchizedek a tenth of all he had. From there, Melchizedek is no longer heard from in the Scriptures during his earthly lifetime. He would appear to be a mere footnote in the Bible’s pages.

But 1000 years later, King David, in Psalm 110:4, would refer to this ancient priest and king as pointing to another priest/king who was yet 1000 years into the future. David wrote, The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” In Hebrews 5:5-10, we hear David’s words being quoted as referring to Our Lord Jesus Christ.

As Melchizedek made but one offering to Abram, so Christ has given Himself, once for all, by His one-time sacrifice of Himself upon the cross for the sins of the world. As Melchizedek gave thanks to Abram through a fellowship meal of bread and wine, so too do we give thanks to Our Lord through the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper. As we partake of His true body and blood in the Holy Sacrament, we proclaim Jesus Christ as both our Great High Priest and as our true King of Righteousness.

May we be so moved by what Jesus has done for us that we give all that we have to Him!

Replace today's negative thoughts with God's eternal truths

The world says: "Its impossible." God says: "All things are possible." (Luke 18:27)

The world says "I'm too tired." God says: "I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28-30)

The world says: "Nobody really loves me." God says: "I love you." (John 3:16, 34)

The world says: "I can't go on." God says: "My grace is sufficient." (2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 91:15)

The world says: "I can't figure things out." God says: "I will direct your steps." (Proverbs 3:5- 6)

The world says: "I can't do it." God says: "You can do all things." (Philippians 4:13)

The world says: "I'm not able." God says: "I am able." (2 Corinthians 9:8)

The world says: "It's not worth it." God says: "It will be worth it." (Roman 8:28)

The world says: "I can't forgive myself." God says: "I forgive you." (1 John 1:9; Romans 8:1)

The world says: "I can't manage." God says: "I will supply all your needs." (Philippians 4:19)

The world says: "I'm afraid." God says: "I have not given you a spirit of fear." (2 Timothy 1:7)

The world says: "I'm always worried and frustrated." God says: "Cast all your cares on Me." (1 Peter 5:7)

The world says: "I'm not smart enough." God says: "I give you wisdom." (1 Corinthians 1:30)

The world says: "I feel all alone." God says: "I will never leave you or forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)