2026-03-06 Lent - Day 17 Lent Third Friday of Lent Hello! I was swamped yesterday and didn’t get a chance to post the Friday Lent dedication. My apologies, but we are going to look at one of the most mysterious and in my opinion, coolest pieces of scripture! Genesis 14:18-21 18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. 19 And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High,�Possessor of heaven and earth; 20 And blessed be God Most High,�Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tithe of all. 21 Now the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.” Who is this mysterious king named Melchizedek??? First, let’s understand Abram had just won a major battle. Directly following this victory, seemingly out of nowhere, here comes King Melchizedek bringing bread and wine to celebrate! Why? Remember, Jesus’ hasn’t been born! This is centuries before “Holy Communion” at the Last Supper, yet here comes Melchizedek with bread and wine! This seems to be the first Holy Communion served by an unknown King! In the Old Testament, names ALWAYS have significance. The word “Salem” literally means “Peace”. So, Melchizedek was the King of Peace! The name Melchizedek is a Hebrew name meaning My Righteous King . He was also called the priest of God! Verse 18 reads; “he was the priest of God Most High”. The New Testament calls Jesus the High Priest! Hebrews 4:14 reads; 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. In addition to Holy Communion, Abram gives Melchizedek a tithe! Why would he do that! Somehow Abram knew who He was. He obviously knew Him because of the actions taken when Melchizedek arrived. Abram had a unique relationship with God. Unlike any other person at that time. I am convinced this was the preincarnate Jesus, the Messiah. It’s important to note that Melchizedek shows up after a victory. How does all of this relate to us? We too need to strive to have a strong relationship with God. When we have victories in our lives, we should celebrate and give thanks to God immediately. Another factor in my view on this subject. Sometimes, God shows up in our lives to lead us to a victory and WE are the only ones that recognize Him. It doesn’t have to be big, it many times is very subtle, but recognizing it is vital to our spiritual growth in our relationship with God. Always give thanks, even for the small victories, because the truth is, EVERY VICTORY IS HUGE when God is involved. Blessings,