"It is even more obvious when another priest arises, resembling Melchizedek, one who has become a priest, not through a legal requirement concerning physical descent, but through the power of an indestructible life."
(Hebrews 7:15-16)
Melchizedek - the most important king/priest that no one has ever heard of! His original story is found in Genesis 14:17-20... but here in Hebrews he gets a bit more "PR." Mel was the King of Salem (which means "peace" - ie. Shalom) and a priest. He blessed Abraham & Abe gave him the first ever-recorded tithe. In Hebrews, the author lifts Mel up as one of the most memorable high priests. Not only that, but alludes to the Messiah as coming from the "order of Melchizedek" (7:11). Jesus came into his kingship, not through royal lineage (well, at least not in human terms). He wasn't given a kingdom on a silver platter. Instead, writes the author, he gained his authority through an "indestructible life."
What an amazingly accurate way to describe Jesus' time on earth - an indestructible life. All that he did, said, thought and lived out was done with integrity, grace & power. He was all about living the faith of his ancestors ("Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob," etc.) - living into the promise of the Old Testament. This doesn't mean Jesus didn't get mad, frustrated or upset. Of course he did! But he never let those feelings get in the way of following God's will for his life.
An indestructible life. WE'RE not called to be Jesus, of course. But what a goal to shoot for - living an indestructible life. If we try to do this on our own - by our own "goodness," power & integrity, we'll fail miserably. You can count on that! Human beings constantly let others down - even pastors, church leaders, & other people of faith. But if we look to Jesus to be our strength... if we try to model our lives after his... if we open our hearts to be guided by his Spirit... we'll be on our way! And in the grand scheme of things, a life that's been committed to Jesus is indeed "indestructible," as it's bound for eternal fellowship with God.
PRAYER: I have no illusions of any personal grandeur, God. All the good that I am and do comes from you. Thank you for the model of Jesus' indestructible life. Keep me faithful to your call in my life. Forgive and restore me when I fall and when I fail. AMEN.
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