Righteousness and Peace
Today, Debbie and I shared at the “Prime Timers” potluck. The food was good and it was an honor to share with about 300 members of the seniors group from Timberline. We shared along with Ben and Susan Brock. We shared about our journey with West Nile and the Brock’s shared about their spiritual journey and a remarkable healing for Susan. Ben did a great job blending our two stories together as he wrapped up the program.
Later this afternoon, Christian and Bridget arrived with the grandchildren. They are headed to a retreat in Estes Park and I am serving as the home school teacher and transportation to their basketball game over the next two days.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Melchizedek was king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God….(The first meaning of Melchizedek’s name is “King of Righteousness”; and because he was king of Salem, his name also means “King of Peace.”) … He is like the Son of God; he remains a priest forever.” (Hebrews 7:1-3)
As Hebrews is discussing the role of Jesus as our great High Priest, he makes a reference to the ancient King Melchizedek from Abraham’s early life. This unknown King is described as “having no beginning and no end..” and as such, like Christ, serves as a “Priest forever.”
We also see a similarity to Christ in the description of Melchizedek’s character. “Righteousness and peace.” These two qualities are ones associated with Jesus in both the Old and New Testament. What is important is that “there is no peace without righteousness.” Righteousness always precedes peace.
This is the basic concept that Moses communicates to the Children of Israel as they prepared to enter the promise land. God promised them that He would provide, “peace like a river.” Trust the Lord and obey him to experience God’s peace and blessing in your life. Many people today strive for peace, but they live life for themselves and violate God’s commands. But as we align our lives with God’s plan and purpose for our life, we experience the peace of God in our life. Paul in writing to the Romans twice mentions God as the “source of peace.” (Romans 15:33; 16:20) I’m not a big fan of bumper stickers, but there is one which puts this concept succinctly, “No God, No Peace, Know God, Know Peace.”
The good news for us today, is that the peace we can experience is not dependent upon our ability to be righteous in our own strength and effort. Just like Abraham, our faith in Christ is counted to us as righteousness.
“…and be found in him [Christ], not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ–he righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” (Philippians 3:9)
I am thankful that through Christ we can experience both the righteousness and the peace of God.