Writing
Originally scheduled for November 26
Professional writers will tell you that in
writing a story it is most important to have good character
development. For instance:
·
Characters must have a back story.
You don’t want to character just suddenly appearing from nowhere and
disappearing the same way.
·
Character is best developed in
showing its relationships with other characters.
·
They must have a definite place in
the plot, no matter how minor.
Moses, the author of Genesis, must’ve had some
real trouble with Melchizedek. This is a very important character,
but he comes out of nowhere — no back story. In fact, that turns out
to be an essential part of his value to the writing — he has no back
story which means he has no genealogy. In Hebrews the writer tells
us that this means he is, like Christ, eternal. One incident, with
no character developing details, defines the character. He then
disappears. About 500 years later David mentions him in the Psalms.
About a thousand years after that the author of Hebrews explains
him. The only character development Melchizedek gets is what
professional authors call “markers” — little details like his
titles. He is King of peace; he is king of righteousness; he is a
priest of the Most High God.
He is considered a “type” of Christ. We can
also see within him the blessings of communion. For example:
·
He is a symbol of righteousness. In
communion we see the body and blood of Christ giving us the
righteousness of Christ in the eyes of God the Father. We, the
sinners, attain that righteousness by the gift of God — grace.
·
He is a symbol of peace. In the
sacrifice on the cross, Christ restored peace between God and his
human children. We are at peace, therefore, with God — and we hope
also with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
·
We see this most clearly in what
Melchizedek brings with him: bread and wine. Considering that
Abraham (then known as Abram) had 318 warriors with him, Melchizedek
probably brought more than a small bottle of wine. But long before
Passover the priest of the Most High God brings forward bread and
wine as the blessing of God.
As you partake of communion this morning,
remember that that the sacrifice of Christ caused righteousness to
be accounted to us. We have peace with God and with our brothers and
sisters in Christ. Melchizedek shows us that this was God’s plan
from the beginning. Communion is something eternal. Therefore,
examine yourself seeking the righteousness and peace of God. Then
partake with gratitude for your Lord.
