Hebrews 6:20

Hebrews 6:20

The lessons of comfort and instruction which we are to derive from the appearance of Melchisedec to Abraham are as clear as they are important.

I. The word "Melchisedec" leads our thoughts at once to that remarkable passage in Jeremiah xxiii., where it is declared of Christ that this is His name whereby He shall be called, "Jehovah Tsidkenu," the Lord our Righteousness. For Zedek and Tsidkenu being the same in their root, the only difference between the passages is that in the prophet; He is the Lord of Righteousness, while here He is its King. Whether we look, therefore, into the pictures of Genesis, or the shadows of prophecy, or the originals of the Gospel, righteousness and royalty meet together to make the Lord Jesus Christ.

II. Let us endeavour to catch the meaning of the word "righteousness." Before God it means justification. Take this in one of its comfortable applications. St. James says: "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." But you are afraid to take it. You say, "But I am not righteous." Read "justified," for that is what it means. "The effectual fervent prayer of a justified man availeth much."

III. But don't for a moment suppose a justified man can live unrighteously. A man who has had his sins pardoned through Christ has been too conversant with the strictest and highest principles of equity, as carried out in the great scheme of his redemption, ever to be able to take afterwards a low standard of moral duties, or to think lightly of any of his obligations. The motive of his whole life lies in that righteousness of Christ in which he stands; and it is a rule of our being that the conduct always grows up to the motive. Therefore, that man cannot be justified who is not endeavouring to live justly.

J. Vaughan, Fifty Sermons, 2nd series, p. 1.

I. The whole history of Israel is a golden history; if we may so say, a Holy Ghost history. It differs from every other history. This nation God formed for Himself; and in the events, institutions, and great men of this people God, in a special manner, revealed Himself and the truths of His kingdom. And this because the eternal Word, the Saviour of sinners, the King of the Jews, the Head of the Church, the Heir of all things, who is the upholder and end of all ages, Jesus Himself, is organically and inseparably connected with the chosen nation. He is of the seed of David, of the seed of Abraham. Hence the names of persons and places, the omissions of circumstances, the use of the singular or the plural number, the application of a title all things are under the control of the all-wise and gracious Spirit of God.

II. While we stand in awe, beholding the grandeur and infinite depth of the Scripture as one organic Spirit-built temple, and the beauty, perfection, and exquisite skill which characterise the most minute portion of this structure, we feel at home, and as in a peaceful and fragrant garden. For our admonition was the Scripture written for us upon whom the ends of the world are come. I possess the whole in every little fragment; though weak, ignorant, and limited, I have perfect peace in the light of life, and often I find the truth of that saying of Luther, "In Scripture every little daisy is a meadow." Everywhere in Scripture we behold Jesus, the Lord, our great High Priest, enthroned in heaven; King of righteousness and Prince of Peace, who brings unto us the blessing of God, who sustains our inner life, and who gladdens and strengthens our hearts by giving us continually bread to eat and wine to drink.

A. Saphir, Lectures on Hebrews, vol. i., p. 338.

Reference: Hebrews 6:20 . H. W. Beecher, Christian World Pulpit, vol. xxix., p. 210.