Taxing, Tipping, or Tithing - Day 4: Meet the Greater Melchizedek

"Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." - Hebrews 7:24-25

Melchizedek is one of the most mysterious figures in the Bible. He appears without introduction - no genealogy, no backstory. He is simply described as the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, and he brings bread and wine to Abram after a great victory. Abram gives him a tenth of everything.

The Bible later reveals that Melchizedek was pointing forward to someone greater. His name means king of righteousness, and Salem means peace - so he is the king of righteousness and king of peace. He was a priest forever, not by heredity but by divine appointment. Sound familiar? That is Jesus.

Jesus is the true King of Righteousness. He is our eternal High Priest. At the Last Supper, he gave his body as bread and his blood as wine. And right now, he lives to intercede for you. When we tithe, we are doing what Abram did - responding to the ministry of our great High Priest with an act of faith and worship.

Abram's tithe to Melchizedek was a shadow. Our giving is a response to the reality - to Jesus, who gave not a tenth, but everything.

How does seeing Jesus as the fulfillment of Melchizedek change the way you understand your giving? When you tithe, who are you really responding to?

Lord Jesus, You are the King of Righteousness and my eternal High Priest. Every act of giving is ultimately a response to what You have done for me. Thank You for interceding for me always. Amen.

In His grace,

The Brook Church Miami