The Better Hope, Part 1

Heb. 7:19 makes this reference to hope, “a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.” In support, the Apostle Paul discusses hope and the way it is built through perseverance that leads to character, which then build a hope that does not disappoint (Rom. 5:3-4). The Biblical word, ἐλπίδος [“hope”], means to look forward with confidence to that which is good and beneficial. (Luke 24:21; 1 Tim. 4:10; Acts 23:6; Rom. 15:4). All of this adds up to hope as an element of faith in, or a relationship with Jesus Christ.  

 Melchizedek is a “figure” of hope we meet in chapter 7 of Hebrews where the author introduces him, 

Hebrews 7:1–2 (CSB)  

1For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, met Abraham and blessed him as he returned from defeating the kings,  

2and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, his name means king of righteousness, then also, king of Salem, meaning king of peace.  

Melchizedek is first found in Gen. 14:17-20, his name means “king of righteousness” and he was the king of Salem. Salem means “peace,” so this would tell us Melchizedek is a righteous king of peace—a theme further affirmed at Isa. 9:7. See where this is headed? The interesting thing to note here about Melchizedek is that his genealogy is unknown, therefore he is a “priest forever,” no beginning or end (Heb 7:3). When Abraham met Melchizedek, Abraham tithed to Melchizedek and the Bible says Melchizedek blessed Abraham. The King of righteousness and peace, with no beginning or end, offered hope to Abraham in the form of a blessing.  

If you are looking for a recharge in the hope department, look no further than Jesus Christ the Son of Man, and Son of God incarnate, The Great High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek” (Heb. 7:19). Our ministry teaches hope comes from reliance on principles that are eternal—principles with no beginning or end—like Melchizedek. One way hope is generated in our lives is through an advocate—like Melchizedek to Abraham. Knowing there is a person, a group of people, and a God who is supportive, offers hope and allows us to feel hope–filled.  

We are teaching through Principle 5 on Monday nights, it is a good time to receive a recharge in the hope department!