Who Was Melchizedek?

Who was Melchizedek?

(Genesis 14:18-20; JST, Genesis 14:25-40)

The priesthood, which is the authority to act in God’s name, is a basis in the LDS church. It is through the priesthood that our ordinances are performed. For my friends and family who are not familiar with the priesthood, I will briefly try to explain it. We use the power of the priesthood to give blessings and to perform ordinances such as baptism, marriage, and the power to seal our families together for eternity, not just in this lifetime.

            The higher priesthood is called the Melchizedek Priesthood. This priesthood is given to the offices of elder, high priest, patriarch, Seventy, and Apostle. Now growing up I knew about the Melchizedek Priesthood and I knew some of the aspects and responsibilities that come with holding this priesthood but I had never really thought of who Melchizedek was. When I was reading in the Genesis this week I realized that besides the fact that the higher priesthood was essentially named after him I didn’t know much. So I researched Melchizedek.

            Melchizedek was a great man. He was a man of mighty faith, he was humble, he wrought righteousness, the King of Salem, and was approved by God. Melchizedek was a high priest of the highest God. He was a high priest of the higher order. I may be wrong about this but from my understanding, Melchizedek lived by the higher order, not Moses’ law. We learn that Melchizedek blessed Abraham and conferred the priesthood upon him.

            As mentioned before, Melchizedek was the king of Salem. The people during this time waxed strong in iniquity and abomination. They had all gone astray. Melchizedek preached repentance unto them and they repented. After this there was peace in the Land. Because of this, Melchizedek is also called the Prince of Peace. 

            The name Melchizedek means ‘king of righteousness’.  Why is the priesthood called Melchizedek, because, Melchizedek was such a great high priest. Melchizedek’s name is used to identify the “Holy Priesthood after the Order of the Son of God.” Before Melchizedek it was called “the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God.” In D&C 107:4 we learn, “out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, the church in the ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood.”

            The last thing that I wanted to share with you all was mentioned in a study manual I use during my scripture study, Institute Student Manual. While reading what they taught about Melchizedek it said that he was a prototype of the Son of God himself.  A prototype is a person who is believed to be the typical example or representation for that category. Melchizedek is a person who is the example or representation of the Son of God. How cool is that? It testifies to me of what kind of a man Melchizedek was and that he was sent from God.

            I know that our loving Father in Heaven sent Melchizedek here as an example and guiding beacon for us. I know that God sends prophets in our day and the days of Melchizedek to watch over us, his children, and guide us. I know that the priesthood is the power of God and if we are worthy we are able to access a portion of that authority. I know that the priesthood has blessed my home and my family. I have seen the blessings my dad receives from being worthy to hold the priesthood and I remember how lucky I am that my dad has it. I love this church and the blessing I have received for my faith. I love my savior and brother, Jesus Christ and my Father in Heaven. I know they live and that love us and are always here for us. I know that prayer is a gift and that when we pray God hears us. 

           

*** Talking about prophets in our day, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS or Mormons), will be having our General Conference this weekend. This is a great opportunity to hear from our church leaders and the apostles and prophets that our God has ordained for us. I encourage you to watch at least 1 session. Whether you are LDS or not, there is something you can learn. There is something that can touch your heart and help you with what you are struggling with. God hears us, God loves us, and He wants us to come unto Him. Conference is on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 at 10am and 2pm MST. You can listen on the radio, on the Internet, or on your TV. I promise that if you listen to conference with a sincere heart God will touch your heart and give you answers that you seeking.