by Rev Daniel Yaw

Introduction

A very blessed Christmas to all of you. Each time we come to this part of the year, our usual greeting exchange is, “Wow, time flies, and we are coming to the end of another year.” Indeed, so. So, how has the year passed, and what will it hold for us in the coming year?
Things change and time flies – yes, but something will always remain unchanged, and time will stand still one day.
As I was reading from the book of Hebrews, these verses struck me as Jesus Christ, our Lord, of whom we celebrate Christmas during this time, that he is someone who will remain the same and time will stand still in the world, FOREVER.
Hebrews 7:1-3, “For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God… He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever.”

The King We Have

What am I looking for in God? As I served Him, I still look at the God I "pursue" after. In the words of King David who said, "One thing have I asked the Lord and that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord and behold his beauty and inquire in His temple.” (Psalms 27:4)

That pursuit is really to take hold of God and know him. What do I know about this God?
These are two pictures presented here. The King speaks of Sovereignty and Rule. I must seek a God who will rule in my life. A reliable king. A king who is adored. In these verses, we see a few things about this King:

• The King of Salem (the king of peace). He brings to us the comfort needed, peace in a world of tribulation. Lately, we have our troubles, the loss of a loved one, the trouble of family woes, and the need for comfort is high. This Christmas, as it brought peace to Israel and the world, this same King brings peace to us. Even the angels announced, “peace on earth….”, and this king is the king of peace.
• The King of Righteousness (v2) as his name suggests. He brings justice and he acts justly. He has done so in the way he deals with sin (he paid the price) and with sinners (he loved and showed mercy). Christmas is the coming of God whose name is Yeshua (Jehovah Saves!)
• The King Forever (with no beginning, no end). His throne is secured and we don't have to worry about changes in rule and character. Every change of government and ruler, there will be changes. Many times, we are disappointed with those changes. It is not so for the King we have in our lives.

This is the King that I pursue after. Melchizedek is but a picture of the Son of God.

The Priest We Need
Then this next picture is that of a priest - the mediator between God and man. Today I live with the peace that I am reconciled to God having a priest who stands in between and paves the way to God's presence.

• He is the priest of the Highest God. He is both God and the mediator between us and God. What more can we ask for a reconciliation we have? I am assured constantly of my peace because of Him, my high priest.
• He is the priest forever. Yes, another element of the priest where time “stands still” – forever. That does not change and my status does not change.

Conclusion

May this Christmas be furnished with this thought “forever”, the king we have and the priest we need. Blessed Christmas to all of you