“The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind,
‘You are a priest forever
after the order of Melchizedek.’”
– Psalm 110:4
King David wrote these words more than 1000 years after Melchizedek and more than 1000 years before the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. Nonetheless, Jesus is the subject of this psalm! The Holy Spirit revealed this truth to David ten centuries before it was fulfilled. That’s how reliable God and His Word are!!! Jesus is the One Who rose from death and ascended to Heaven where He serves as the great high priest interceding on behalf of everyone who believes in Him. Jesus has made the once-for-all sacrifice that saves our souls when we trust in Him.
Jesus is the priest like Melchizedek (introduced in Genesis 14). Jesus is both a king and a priest, just like Melchizedek and unlike the high priests of Israel in David’s time. Melchizedek ruled over the city of Salem (“peace”) meaning he was the king of peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. Melchizedek’s name literally means “King of Righteousness” and Jesus is the perfectly righteous king Who rules and reigns over the universe. Melchizedek was a priest, not based on his family of descent, but by God’s divine appointment. Jesus likewise became our priest by God’s will and appointment rather than by His family of origin.
This entire psalm would have been something of a head-scratcher when David first wrote it under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It seems unlikely that any readers would have understood all its implications for ten centuries. But God is perfectly faithful! What He promises in His Word will happen. We must simply be faithful and patient. God’s promises will unfold in His timing rather than ours. God’s people may have to wait hundreds or thousands of years to see those promises fulfilled, but they will be fulfilled. Jesus, our great high priest in the order of Melchizedek guarantees that! #FollowJesus