Following
an account of military conflict, we come to a passage that is full of
Christ (18-20). In Melchisedek, we see Jesus. In Hebrews 7:3, we learn
that Melchisedek resembles the Son of God. We read on, in verse 4, ‘See
how great he is’, and, in our hearts we say, ‘How great is our Lord
Jesus Christ’. Melchisedek is ‘the King of Salem (peace)’(18), pointing
to Christ through whom we have ‘peace with God’(Romans 5:1). Melchisedek
brings ‘bread and wine’(18), pointing to Christ whose body was broken
for us and whose blood was shed for us (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
Melchisedek spoke of the divine deliverance from enemies (20), pointing
to Christ's victory over Satan (Colossians 2:15). In this episode we see
the origins of tithing. It is not a legalistic practice. God had been
good to Abraham. In grateful worship, Abraham responded, giving the
tenth to Him (20).
Genesis 15:1-21
God
is greater than our circumstances. God had given great promises to
Abraham, yet there appeared no sign that His promises were being
fulfilled. The circumstances seemed bleak, and Abraham felt despondent.
Abraham was full of questions. In verse 2, he asks, ‘What can you give
me...?’. This is the question of salvation. What does God give? He gives
salvation. In verse 8, he asks, ‘How can I know...?’. This is the
question of assurance. We ask for assurance. God gives it - the
assurance of salvation, the assurance that salvation has been given and
received. Where are we to look for answers to these questions? Are we to
look to our circumstances? Are we to look to our feelings? No. We look
to the ‘Almighty God’(2,8). Trusting in Christ, the ‘Passover
Lamb...sacrificed for us’, we receive a sure salvation (6:1; 1
Corinthians 5:7; John 20:31; 1 John 5:13).
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