3 AUGUST (VERSE 18 PREACHED 1 FEBRUARY 1767)
Jesus our Great High Priest
‘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 thine hand. And he gave him tithes of all.’ Genesis 14:18–20
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Hebrews 6:13–20
Observe:
(i) Melchizedek came forth to meet Abraham. Believers, like Abraham, are called to a warfare. Jesus their King and High Priest teaches them to fight and conquer and often comes forth to meet them, as Melchizedek.
(ii) he brought bread and wine. Thus the Lord refreshes, strengthens his warriors—he comes forth in the ordinances.
(iii) he blessed him in the name of God. Jesus had obtained the blessing and he blesses all his people; yea, and they shall be blessed.
(iv) Abraham gave him tithes of all—as an acknowledgement to the Lord by his priest. And thus believers render to God their services and sacrifices of praise, by Jesus Christ.
Happy are the subjects of this King, the people who have such a great High Priest—no enemy shall hurt them, no weapon formed against them prosper, no charge to their prejudice be received. But what must become of those who reject his mediation and will not have him reign over them?
FOR MEDITATION:
But JESUS invitations sends,
Weak in myself for help I cried,
Treating with rebels as his friends;
LORD, I am pressed on every side;
And holds the promise forth in view,
The cause is thine, they fight with me,
To all who for his mercy sue.
But every blow is aimed at thee.
Too long his goodness I disdained,
With speed to my relief he came,
Yet went at last and peace obtained;
And put my enemies to shame;
But soon the noise of war I heard,
Thus saved by grace I live to sing,
And former friends in arms appeared.
The love and triumphs of my King.
SERMON SERIES: GENESIS, NO. 28 [3/3], GENESIS 14:18–19
Milo 