Jesus, the Christ, affirmed his eternalness, without beginning nor end (Psalm 90:2), by saying “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58) and he also spoke of an encounter that he had with Abraham, for Jesus said, “Abraham rejoiced to see his day, and he saw it and was glad.” (John 8:56). When did Abraham see Jesus?
Genesis 14:18-20, in three short verses, gives an account of Melchizedek, king of Salem (Peace), the priest of the most high God meeting and blessing Abram, after Abram had returned from his victory over Chedarlaomer and his allied kings. Melchizedek brought forth with him bread and wine and blessed Abram. Abram gives Melchizedek tithes of all.
Although the identity of Melchizedek is not explicitly stated, close scrutiny of the Bible reveals to us the plausibility that Melchizedek was a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ himself (which Biblical scholars would call a Cristophany). Further evaluation of the description of Melchizedek actually provides evidence to substantiate this theory. Jesus was foretold to be the prince of Peace on whose shoulder would be the government (kingship) making him the king of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus is described by the author of Hebrew as the high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 6:20). Jesus in his communion served bread and wine, symbolic of his body and blood, showing us the plan of God for the Salvation of mankind (Genesis 26:26-29), which is exactly the same elements that Melchizedek brings to Abram – bread and wine. Additionally, the tithes that Abram gave was accepted by Melchizedek which debunks that theory that Melchizedek was just another angelic being, and not Christ (God) himself, for the heavenly angels who serve God, know their place, and prevent men from worshiping them (Revelation 22:9). Furthermore, the book of Hebrews, establishes that Melchizedek was one without father and mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God, abiding a priest continually (Hebrews 7:1-3), affirming with ample evidence that Abram saw Christ, pre-incarnate, appearing as Melchizedek, and rejoiced (was glad).
Points to ponder:
Jesus is the king of Peace who can give you and me, peace that passeth all understanding (John 14:27; Philippians 4:7).
Jesus is the high priest of the most high God, interceding on our behalf (Hebrews 7:3; Romans 8:34).
Jesus gave his body and blood an offering (like bread and wine) so that we can commune with God (Matthew 26:26-29).
Do we worship him by offering our tithes of all to him?
Abram saw Christ and was glad. How about you and me?
Genesis 14:18-20
18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
Hebrews 7:1-3 (KJV)
1 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;
2 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;
3 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.
