“After the Order of Melchizedek”
A Deep Dive
By
Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr.
OPENING: - Melchizedek is a name that briefly appears in scripture in Genesis 14 before the Law of Moses and the Children of Israel, but it carries some of the deepest mysteries of the entire Bible with it. Melchizedek enters the scene without mother or father no beginning or ending his name literally means King of Righteousness and he is the King of Salem which means Peace, most commentators and Bible scholars hold that Salem is Jerusalem. Melchizedek not only is a King, but he is also a Priest which is something that will be forbidden under the Law of Moses but something that Jesus will be centuries later. Melchizedek brings bread which represent spiritual sustenance and wine which represents spiritual life gives it to Abram and Blesses him exactly as Jesus will do with the disciple in the upper room at the Last Supper centuries later. He receives tithes from Abram then vanishes from the pages of scripture there is no mention of death or anything His incarnation as the pre-incarnate Christ or after His Resurrection. There is no mention of his name in scripture for over a 1000 years until David prophecies of the Messiah in Psalm 110:4.
People have asked who is Melchizedek? Was he just a man or something more. Why did Abraham pay tithes to Melchizedek? Was he an Angel? Was he a Christophany – a manifestation or non-physical appearance of Christ before His incarnation.
PRAYER
SCRIPTURE: - Psalm 110:4 “The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek”.
BACKGROUND: - Theres a war and four Eastern kings led by Chedorlaomer of Elam attacked five kings from the region of Sodom and Gomorrah the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zoar, and Zeboiim were defeated their cities looted and their people and possessions taken captive. Lot Abram’s nephew is captured and taken captive. When Abram hears Lot has been captured, he gathers 318 trained men and pursues the captors as far as Dan and north of Damascus. Abram and his 318 trained men, with the favor of God attacked the enemy at night won the battle, rescued Lot, gathered the spoils and began the journey home.
THEN SOMETHING HAPPENED ALONG THE WAY! He had an encounter with Melchizedek.
Genesis 14:18- 20 “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all”.
Melchizedek = King of Righteousness He was the King of Salem = Peace (Jerusalem)
Melchizedek was a King & Priest something that would be forbidden under the Law of Moses, but this was before the Law and before the Nation of Israel. Under the law God set a Divine Boundary between the 2 King and Priest. Kings led in battle, governed the nation, and handled political affairs. Priest stood as mediators between Man and God, offered sacrifices and maintained spiritual purity of the people, the two were never to be crossed remember Saul in 1 Samuel 13:13-14. Melchizedek was both his name king of righteousness & king of Salem (peace). Jesus is our righteousness Jeremiah 23:6 and the Prince of Peace Isaiah 9:6 after the order of Melchizedek.
Melchizedek gave Abram bread and wine and blessed Abram. This was representative of the spiritual nourishment and sustenance and spiritual life-giving sustenance that Jesus would give the disciples in the upper room and us on Calvary Cross centuries later.
Then Melchizedek blessed Abram, and this is powerful he empowered him, equipped him, consecrate for a special purpose just as Jesus would do to the disciples in the upper room centuries later.
Then Abram did something unique And he gave him tithes of all”. This was before the Law of tithing, about some 430 years before. Abram tithed a tenth of all he had. Understand you always tithe up you never tithe to someone who is an equal you always tithe to a superior because it is an act of reverence acknowledging that the one receiving the tithe is greater. This now raises the question who was Melchizedek? Abram recognized Melchizedek was greater than himself; therefore, Melchizedek was not just an ordinary man. Melchizedek received tithes from Abram, now no place in scripture are Angels allowed to receive tithes or worship every time an Angel appeared and someone bowed and started to worship them the Angel would stop them and say “See that you not do this I am your fellow servant, and with your brothers the prophets, and with those keeping the words of this book Worship God” they are not allowed to receive worship or tithes so Melchizedek could not be a Angel. The Bible gives no definitive answer to the identity of Melchizedek, but I like the Christophany Theory which is a manifestation or non-physical appearance of Christ before His incarnation it seems to be the best fit. Besides I personally have a theory or a belief that can’t be proved but can’t be disproved either, especially when you understand the pattern of Heaven. The Tabernacle and the Priesthood was established after the pattern of Heaven according to scripture Exodus 25:40 as well as Hebrews 8:5. In Heaven (Salem) there is an actual heavenly priesthood in operation and Melchizedek is the King and Priest of that realm and that is none other than God Himself. Like I said that is just a theory I have and one day I will see!
Let’s read Hebrews 7:1-10 “For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham: But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises. And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better. And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth. And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him”.
OK now hopefully I have answered the question of Melchizedek’s identity as far as I believe it to be.
Now let’s dive into AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK. Psalm 110:4 “The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek”. It is imperative to understand that After the Order of Melchizedek is not a performance – it is a Holy Eternal Priesthood. After the Order of Melchizedek is not a seat on a church board – it is a Throne in Glory! It is not seminary scholarship or ecclesiastical title but Divine Appointment. It is not based on how good you preach or how popular you are. It is not based on title, position, denomination, church politics, clerical garb or any of the superficial junk we hold as important in what we consider in our churches today. It is totally prophetic, 100% spiritual and can only be filled by Theanthropos the God/Man, Yahshua Hamashiach, Jesus the Messiah. David is not talking about a Levitical Priesthood nor is he speaking about anyone from the line of Aaron at all he is talking about a different kind of priesthood that had nothing to do with the Law of Moses he is talking about the Messiah Jesus Christ.
Jesus would be our King and High Priest forever and that was something that was first of all forbidden under the law of Moses because God established that the Kings came from the tribe of Judah and the Priest came from the tribe of Levi. The job of the King was to govern the people, handle political matters, and led in battle, the job of the priest was to offer sacrifices, handle the spiritual matters of the people and mediators between God and mankind the two never were to cross. Because people died and were sinner the priesthood was temporary the Levitical Priesthood would have to offer sacrifice for themselves first over and over then offer sacrifice for the people their work was incomplete but Melchizedek was different he had no beginning or end this is why Jesus is the fulfillment of Melchizedek’s Priesthood, Jesus offered 1 perfect sacrifice Himself sinless, spotless, without wrinkle, flawless enough for all eternity.
Vs #1 of Psalm 110 is one of the most quoted OT verses in the New Testament because even Jesus refers to it when speaking of His own identity in Matthew 22:41-46 “While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The son of David. He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool? If David then call him Lord, how is he his son? And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions”. Jesus was revealing something deeper to them, but they just didn’t understand it. He was not just David’s descendant He was David’s Lord and this same Lord, the Messiah in Psalm 110:4 will be a Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek. What is so amazing about this is understand no Israelite King had ever been priest and king before the role was separate. Jesus according to the Law had no right and no legal pathway to being both, there was no man-made way or system for Him to be both King and Priest Jesus came from the tribe Judah the Levites were the Priest.
Hebrews 7:11-28 says “If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident: for that after the similitude of Melchisedec there ariseth another priest, Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest: (For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:) By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore”.
The Levitical priesthood is earthly, temporary, confined to the tabernacle and temple and the descendants of Aaron. It is flawed because man is flawed, since man is sinful the priest had to first offer sacrifice for themselves and hope that their sins were forgiven, then offer sacrifices for the people. The access was limited to once a year. Judaism just celebrated Yom Kippur this week the day of Atonement. The biggest problem with the sacrifices the priest offered was they could never absolve a person of sin they only temporarily covered it for a little while. Then the priest that served would eventually die and would have to be replace so the process would have to be repeated all over again for the next priest that would come in so the process was continuously repeated, it was an imperfect priesthood and never was designed to be an everlasting or perfect priesthood.
Jesus the King Priest is Heavenly, Divine Appointment, Eternal, Sinless, Indestructible Life, 1 Sacrifice, flawless, Needed No Atonement Hebrews 7:25 “Wherefore, he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them”. That means we have direct access to God through Jesus Christ.
THE IMPORTANCE OF JESUS BEING KING & PRIEST
Remember under the Law of Moses God established a separation the King and Priest could never be combined. The Kings came from the tribe of Judah the priest came from the tribe of Levi. Jesus came from the tribe of Judah according to the Law should not be a priest that is why He is a priest after the order of Melchizedek and not Aaron. Also remember what happen to Saul when he crossed the line and offered sacrifice the job of a priest and he was a king.
WATCH THIS: - As Priest - Romans 8:34 says, “Who is he that condemneth? Shall Christ that died, yea rather is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who maketh intercession for us?”. He stands as our mediator, our High Priest, our advocate interceding on our behalf 1 John 2:1. Since He eternal He continuously intercedes before the Thorne of God for us.
Theanthropos – The God/Man 100% God & 100% Man this uniquely qualifies Him to be the intermediary between the perfect God and flawed Man. His divinity gives His sacrifice infinite value satisfying the requirement God’s Holy judgment. His humanity allows Him to represent mankind perfectly and to sympathize with our weakness for He was tried and tempted in all points yet without sin.
As King – Revelation 19:16 says, “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords”. This establishes His reign over all creations possessing absolute, divine authority He is not a human king. His kingship is expressed through His eternal reign, spiritual headship of the Church, His promised future physical role over the Earth, and his eventual triumphant return to fully establish His Kingdom, which offers Salvation to those who acknowledge Him. Luke 1:32-33 The Angel Gabiel told Mary that God would give her the throne of David to His father to Him and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever and of His kingdom there will be no end”. That is to come – and Jesus affirmed this in Matthew 27:11 when Pilate asked Him if He was King of the Jews Jesus responded, “You have said”.
Jesus’ Divine Authority unlike earthly authority stems from His divine nature and from the fact that He is Theanthropos the God/Man who was in the beginning with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made”.
His Kingship like His Priesthood is eternal and will never end.
Understand if Jesus was only a King, He would have Power but not MERCY. If he were only a Priest He would have Mercy but not have POWER but because He is KING&PRIEST after the ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK, HE RULES with PERFECT JUSTICE and offers PERFECT GRACE.
CLOSING: - I like to believe when Melchizedek blessed Abram, he bestowed upon him perfect grace which is what Jesus offers us as our king and priest perfect grace. Perfect grace is the unlimited, unearned, without exception love, enabling power, strength, forgiveness, and favor to be able to be victorious.
Because Jesus is our King and Priest after the order of Melchizedek, we don’t have to wait for a certain time of the year to come before God we can come at any time when we hurt, when we are sad, when we are angry, when we are confused, when we are upset, when we are scared, when we don’t understand, when we have questions, when we have complaints, because Jesus is our advocate, we are covered in His righteousness. He opened our access to God tearing the veil of separation for all eternity offering the perfect sacrifice Himself satisfying the Holy judgment of God saving us to the uttermost. Standing in the presence of the Almighty God as our King and Priest after the order of Melchizedek our advocate against the accuser against the brethren the devil He that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think says to give us even more encouragement whatever you ask the father in my name He will give it to you!
Bishop Melvin L. Maughmer, Jr.
