Daily Bible Reading May 1st, 2020 Hebrews 7:1-14 (GNT)


God’s Life-Giving Word of Faith

Introduction

Hebrews 7:1-14: In Hebrews 6:20 we read that Jesus “has become a high priest forever, in the priestly order of Melchizedek.” Today’s reading recounts Abraham’s encounter with the priest Melchizedek, king of Salem, who is described as “a priest of the Most High God” (see Genesis 14:17-20). Abraham showed how great he thought Melchizedek was by giving him one tenth of all he owned.

Today's Scripture: Hebrews 7:2b

The first meaning of Melchizedek’s name is “King of Righteousness”; and because he was King of Salem, his name also means “King of Peace.”

Today's Reading

The Priest Melchizedek
1 This Melchizedek was king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God. As Abraham was coming back from the battle in which he defeated the four kings, Melchizedek met him and blessed him, 2and Abraham gave him one tenth of all he had taken. (The first meaning of Melchizedek's name is “King of Righteousness”; and because he was king of Salem, his name also means “King of Peace.”) 3There is no record of Melchizedek's father or mother or of any of his ancestors; no record of his birth or of his death. He is like the Son of God; he remains a priest forever.
4You see, then, how great he was. Abraham, our famous ancestor, gave him one tenth of all he got in the battle. 5 And those descendants of Levi who are priests are commanded by the Law to collect one tenth from the people of Israel, that is, from their own people, even though they are also descendants of Abraham. 6Melchizedek was not descended from Levi, but he collected one tenth from Abraham and blessed him, the man who received God's promises. 7There is no doubt that the one who blesses is greater than the one who is blessed. 8In the case of the priests the tenth is collected by men who die; but as for Melchizedek the tenth was collected by one who lives, as the scripture says. 9And, so to speak, when Abraham paid the tenth, Levi (whose descendants collect the tenth) also paid it. 10For Levi had not yet been born, but was, so to speak, in the body of his ancestor Abraham when Melchizedek met him.
11It was on the basis of the levitical priesthood that the Law was given to the people of Israel. Now, if the work of the levitical priests had been perfect, there would have been no need for a different kind of priest to appear, one who is in the priestly order of Melchizedek, not of Aaron. 12For when the priesthood is changed, there also has to be a change in the law. 13And our Lord, of whom these things are said, belonged to a different tribe, and no member of his tribe ever served as a priest. 14It is well known that he was born a member of the tribe of Judah; and Moses did not mention this tribe when he spoke of priests.

Reflect

According to the Law of Moses, the people of Israel were to give one tenth of what they possessed to God, and these gifts were given to the priests (Numbers 18:21-32). An offering of ten percent of one’s income is known as a tithe. Is this practice relevant today for communities of faith? Does your community of faith encourage this practice? (You may wish to consult various Scripture passages on this subject such as Malachi 3:8-12; 1 Corinthians 16:2.)

Pray

Holy God, you are gracious and merciful. Thank you for your blessings and for the assurance of your faithfulness. Open my heart and eyes to those in need so that I may share with others the blessing of your love. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Financial secretaries

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