July 24, 2026:

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY:

“Then Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.’” (Genesis 14.18-20)

TODAY’S REFLECTION ON GOD’S WORD:

I have always been struck by the introduction of Melchizedek in the story of Abram. He holds a significant place in both the Old and New Testament. He is mentioned here in Genesis 14 and again in Psalm 110 which is repeated in Hebrews 7 by the apostle Paul. He is not only the King of Salem, literally the King of Peace, but he is a priest of God Most High. He predates Abram in celebrating God’s presence in Canaan. His priesthood predates the Levitical priesthood established in the days of Moses when Israel was liberated from Egyptian captivity. We are not told if he was the first priest of Salem or a priestly king in a line of succession. In Hebrews, Paul speaks of him as an eternal presence, a priest forever without beginning or end. In this regard he resembles the Son of God. Perhaps he was a manifestation of the Messiah, an incarnation, and a continuing reminder to the listener of the story of Israel of God’s presence and saving grace throughout.

His place in the story should speak to us of God’s desire to be revealed and received by everyone. God’s intention is not to be known by some but by all. God’s hope is not that some may call upon Him but that all would and not in a self-serving way. Let us remember that the sacrifices offered by both God and man point to the hope of every person to be visible, known and loved forever. Was Abram’s effort confirmation that hope was alive, the world would not overcome the righteous and God was indeed sovereign? That we do not know. What we do know is that Melchizedek came to honor Abram for his faithfulness to God and man. In his offering, Abram returned a portion back to Melchizedek, a tithe and an offering. Dare we think of God coming to us when we act by faith to honor us and confirm we are blessed to be a blessing? Do we think of our daily bread and those provisions which arise when needed that He provides as a tribute to us from which we tithe? Would we act differently, if we did?

TODAY’S PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING:

Father, in these days we are finding the need to believe even more than ever before. We all have known trouble, some in greater ways than others, but You are offering us the assurance that we will not be consumed by it forever. Regardless of the “time” we are in and the “time” we have been given, we ask for Your Holy Spirit which Jesus asked You to share with us, to lead and guide and direct us in the paths we should go. Teach us what we still need to learn. Empower us to put that learning into action. Bless our actions not as a works righteousness but as righteous works of faith, hope and love in Jesus’ name. AMEN.