God set all things in order as it pleased him. The name Melchizedek means, “king of righteousness,” being both king of Salem (later called Jerusalem) and high priest. No record was kept of his beginning or of his ending of days; therefore, he was officially without father and mother. He was given completely to the service of God.
The priesthood of Melchizedek was prior to the Levitical priesthood. The descendants of the man, Levi, inherited the office of high priest by appointment, according to their place in line. But Melchizedek had no such appointment; being the first of a long line of high priests, he was called of God to this office. Called to do the work of God’s chosen, by the voice of the spirit within him. Melchizedek was a man of flesh and blood who possessed the spirit of God; thus, he received this high calling of God.
The days of flesh and blood ended for Melchizedek but the high calling of God according to the spirit will never end. Jesus Christ, our Lord and master, was made a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. No beginning of days and no ending of days. Called and chosen of God to fulfill the duties appointed him, faithfully keeping that office without reproach. Melchizedek, being the first high priest called of God, Jesus our Lord being the last.
There were many priests at any given time who carried out the many duties of the priesthood, but only one high priest to oversee them all. We can and do reign with Christ in truth and obedience, faithfully keeping the commandments of the New Testament. But Jesus, the first begotten of God, will remain high priest forever.
Abraham, returning from the slaughter of the kings, being the victor in battle had the spoils in his possession and knowing of no greater man of God than Melchizedek, gave him a tenth of those things, thereby acknowledging that victory belonged solely to the Lord.
Abraham was the father of the Jewish race. All Jews who came after him according to the flesh, were of his seed. Their father Abraham, paid tithes to one appointed of God. The earthly priesthood followed a long line of appointments by men, until such a time as another after the order of Melchizedek should appear. But while waiting for the appearing of an eternal high priest, men after the seed of Abraham kept the order alive. That high priest has appeared; he is Jesus Christ our Lord.
The law of Moses was in force until such a time that another should come, fulfilling the first covenant so that a new covenant could be established. The Old Testament replaced by the New.
Tithes were paid to earthly priests during those many years by the Jewish people, “according to the law.” Those under the law were justified by keeping all the law, not just the paying of tithes. Some churches today still teach that paying tithes (money only) is commanded. Some tithe to the Baptists, some to the Methodists, and some to one of the other religious denominations. To do what? To further spread divided doctrine? Is this the commandment of God? God forbid!
Either we are obligated to keep all the law or none of it. Read Galatians, chapters three and four. And read James 2:10. Let me assure you that the law had many more ordinances that were equally important, which are not practiced by churches today.
Jesus is now and will be forever more the eternal high priest of God. None greater went before him and none greater can ever follow him. Then they received the fruits of manual labor, “according to the law;” now the high priest receives tithes of the fruits of the Holy Ghost. The honest labor of our hearts and spirits in obedience.
Let us always share the gift of God with others, not neglecting to share the material things also. Making our offerings to the Lord by showing our love toward others, as he did toward us. If we would reign with Christ, let us labor to be like him, faithfully carrying out the duties of our high calling.
