What's in a name? Hebrews 4:14-5:10

 
What's in a name? Quite a lot when you're reading the Bible!
Sometimes the Bible throws in names or stories that get lost and misunderstood outside of ancient Jewish culture. Hebrews 5 introduces such a name that refers to such a story, Melchizedek. The story is two short verses in Genesis 14. Melchizedek, King of Salem (to become: Jeru-salem), brings a meal to offer friendship and encouragement to Abram (Abraham). This mystery king however, is referenced in Psalm 110:4 and Heb. 5,7, 8,13 as a priest. The Levitical priesthood did not exist when Melchizedek showed up in the Genesis account. Israel was not yet a nation and the Jewish people would later establish an intercessory office after the tribe of Levi. This king however, appointed by God alone, played the role of priest for Abram. On the one hand blessing Abram, on the other blessing "God Most High".
Not yet "Abraham", Abram was young in his faith in YHVH or LORD; "The One Almighty God" whose name is so precious and sacred that the Jewish people took out the vowels to prevent misusing it. Abram was still learning the truth about the One whose voice he served. He was a truth seeker, a man who'd left his home and family to obey a voice he had never heard before to go to a place he'd never gone before. It was a long journey.
And Melchizedek went after Abram
with a meal
and a prayer
and Abram received what was offered, was helped and gave an offering in thanks.
What's in a name?
Abram was later renamed as a sign of YHVH's promise: Abraham- "Father of Many".
Melchizedek bore a name which links him to Christ: Melchi-zedek, King of Salem "The personal righteous king, who brings peace through truth".
Jump to Hebrews...
"So also Christ (appointed by God alone) did not glorify himself so as to become a high priest, but He (God the Father) who said to Him, 'You are My Son, Today I have  begotten You';
You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." Hebrews 5:6
And this Jesus Christ- "God delivers His people", is our
PERSONAL
RIGHTEOUSNESS KING,
THE ONE WHO BRINGS PEACE
through
TRUTH.
Jesus comes after us
offering himself
and
goes before YHVH
on our behalf.

So, call on His name.

"Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession." Hebrews 4:14