JC Blog

“This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, his name means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” ( Hebrews 7:1-2 ).

Four kings went to war against the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah and their allies. As the kingdoms fell to the four kings, the defeated people were carried off along with all of their possessions ( Genesis 14 ). This included Abraham’s nephew Lot because he was living in Sodom. When Abraham heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called together 318 trained men born into his household to pursue the kings. He divided his men into two groups and attacked them during the night recovering everything that had been taken. He brought back Lot, the people’s possessions, the women and all the rest of the people that belonged with them.

Abraham restored and redeemed Lot and all the rest of these people when they were taken into captivity. He didn’t keep anything for himself, but everything was returned to the kings and their people. As he was returning from this victory, Melchizedek, priest of the Most High God came out to meet him and blessed him.

Abraham recognized Melchizedek’s position and in return gave him a tenth of the choicest portion of his possessions. This wasn’t demanded of him instead it was a natural response to the favor and blessing he received. This gift was outflow of his heart when Abraham recognized the greatness of Melchizedek. Even the writer of Hebrews marvels at this in verse 4, “Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! ( Hebrews 7:4 ). The priesthood of Melchizedek is a foreshadowing of the priesthood of Jesus. By comparing the two we can gain insight into the role that Jesus holds.

Melchizedek was called a priest of the Most High God. Throughout the New Testament, these words, “Most High” or “highest” are used in reference to Jesus. The term was used when the angel announced to Mary that she would conceive the Messiah. “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David” ( Luke 1:32 ). It was prophesied by Zechariah that John the Baptist would be his forerunner, “And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him” ( Luke 1:76 ). The Demons recognized this position of “Most High” as Jesus went about teaching, preaching and healing, “When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won’t torture me!” ( Mark 5:6-7, Luke 8:28, Acts 6:17 ). And the people recognized it when Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, “The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,  “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!” ( Matthew 21:9; Mark 11:10, Luke 19:38 ). It was recognizable to everyone that Jesus was sent by the Most High God.

Secondly, Melchizedek’s name, when translated means ‘King of Righteousness’. Righteousness is the condition of being acceptable to God. To be righteous means that we attain a state approved and acceptable to God. Melchizedek was called the King of Righteousness. Jesus also owns this title. In the first chapter of Hebrews, the writer, quoting from Psalm 45 says, “about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy” ( Hebrews 1:8-9 ). To be the king of something means that your rule is characterized by it. Both Melchizedek’s and Jesus’ kingdoms are signified by righteousness, which means the subjects of those kingdoms also partake in the state of being approved and acceptable to God.

Lastly, Melchizedek was the King of Salem, which many believe was the ancient name for Jerusalem, when translated it means “King of Peace”. Peace is a state of tranquility. Peace is the absence of turmoil in the midst of trouble. Peace to the believer is the tranquil state of the soul assured, secure and content before God. Melchizedek was called the King of Peace just as Isaiah prophesied about the Messiah, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” ( Isaiah 9:6 ). To be the King of Peace means that your subjects enjoy the state of peace. The angels, when announcing Jesus’ birth heralded, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” ( Luke 2:14 ). This peace didn’t exist in the natural realm among mankind; the peace that was announced was peace toward mankind on behalf of God because the Messiah had just born.

Like Melchizedek, Jesus is a priest of the Most High God and we can ascertain characteristics of this role by looking at what the scriptures say about Melchizedek. Like Abraham, we should also recognize the position of Jesus when encountering the many blessings of God. Gratitude for the gifts bestowed on us is the natural response to such blessings. Gaining insight into all of this helps us to understand the role of Jesus, who serves continually as our High Priest before God.

Recently at work we’ve undergone major changes, over the past year we have lost a lot of people due to babies, moves, new jobs or layoffs. Only empty chairs occupy the desks where people I worked with for years, used to sit. Each person leaving has caused extreme sadness and a little heartache. But as the old adage says, “life goes on”... so the question becomes how we continue through life without letting these things affect us long term? In other words, how do we survive the heartaches and trials of this life?

Did you know that we have a promise of peace? In a world that functions on drama, we have promises in God’s word assuring us peace, His peace. Paul said in Philippians, “The peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” ( Philippians 4:7 nasb ). This promise is unlocked in the previous verses. The key, is to rejoice in all and every circumstance of life. Although it seems to be an arduous task at first thought when going through trials, the payoff, by far, outweighs the effort.

The Amplified Bible explains this magnificently, “And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” ( Philippians 4:7 Amp ). God’s peace is what shields both mind and heart at all times. There is no turmoil in Him, only peace. And he has promised it to us simply because He loves us.

Our world operates in chaos, but through Christ, we are not of the world. If we do not experience this soul peace it is because we haven’t used the Biblical key to release it in our lives. In the previous verses, Paul starts out with instructions on how to experience the peace that transcends all understanding, His strategy is to Rejoice. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ( Philippians 4:4-7 nasb ). Rejoicing overcomes worry and anxiety and releases God’s peace into your life.

The Bible gives us a great outline for rejoicing. First we are to rejoice in the Lord. Rejoicing can be defined as being glad, being well, thriving and joyful. We’ve all experience rejoicing in life, but Paul is describing a state of mind that can be manifested in our lives. Something that continually happens, not just situationally.

For this to happen we need to focus on the source of our joy, which is the Lord. The early church rejoiced in everything, if you search through scripture you will see they rejoiced in hearing the gospel, and witnessing it’s power ( Luke 10:20, Luke 19:6, Acts 13:48 ). They rejoiced when Jesus returned to the Father ( John 14:28 ). They rejoiced when they were beaten, publicly humiliated or killed ( Matthew 5:12, Luke 6:23, Acts 5:41, II Corinthians 6:10; 13:9, Philippians 2:17, Colossians 1:24, I Peter 4:13 ). They rejoiced in each other or when they heard good reports of other believers ( I Corinthians 16:17, Philippians 2:28; 4:10, Romans 12:15, II Corinthians 7:13; 16 ). The list goes on and on. So if the Greek word for rejoice is used for all of these circumstances, especially persecution, suffering, affliction, trials, there should be no excuse why we are not rejoicing in the Lord in any and every circumstance life throws our way! Paul even went so far as to say it again, so we would understand it’s importance...REJOICE!

Switching focus in the midst of situations gets our attention where it belongs, on the Lord and His kingdom. It allows His peace to operate in our lives and His voice to be heard in our hearts. The trials caused by living in this world have no hold on us when we experience the peace that God has promised us through rejoicing. Even though we still experience a little heartache now and again we are well equipped with the key to overcoming, so again I will say REJOICE!

One of the most impressive perks of being called and chosen of God is that he calls us saints and we are completely righteous in His eyes. We have been designated for a consecrated life, holy and blameless before Him and because of this we can cleave to the abundant life that Jesus offers us. This abundant life is comprised of grace and peace.

Grace is unmerited, unearned favor and kindness. Grace is getting what we do not deserve. Grace is God's favor upon us. Grace was the end result of Jesus' sacrifice upon the cross for us. He paid the price so we do not have to and so that we can stand before God in this grace, full of confidence and boldness to approach Him and come into relationship with Him.

Peace is perfected well-being, spiritual prosperity and freedom from fears. It is not getting agitated by the passions and moral conflicts of this world. Even in the midst of trials and hardship, we can abound in this transforming peace. The world cannot know it nor can it understand it because this is the peace that God offers us freely and it is ours through and by the Lord Jesus Christ.

As Christians, we are loved by God, we are called by Him and we are equipped with everything that we need to live richly in the midst of the world. And all of this comes through a personal and intimate knowledge of the one who has called us into the grace which we now stand. Nothing can separate us from this love and when we remain in Him, walking in knowledge of Him, nothing can remove us from this position either.

If you have experience the love of Christ, it is my prayer that you rest in the abundance of grace and peace that God has provided for you. Jesus said in John 16:33, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Occasionally while I am driving I will see the old bumper sticker, "No Jesus, No Peace; Know Jesus, Know peace" and it makes me smile. In the midst of this tumultuous time, many people are looking and longing for peace. However, just like the truth written on the bumper sticker, unless you know Jesus, as your Savior, peace is an elusive thing.

Previously through our study in chapter four, we see that through faith we can obtain the righteousness that God ascribes to by believing in Jesus and putting our total faith in him. Through his death and resurrection on the cross he has offered us total redemption and justification through his blood shed for us. Being justified before him, brings us to a state before God, whereby it is as if we had never sinned. This is great news because Romans 6:23 say, "for the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord" Our sin brought with it, death and separation from God, however Jesus' redemptive work on the cross paid for sin once for all as he stood in the gap for us. ( Colossians 2:13-15, Hebrews 9:28, II Corinthians 5:21 ) If our sins are paid for then it is as if we had never sinned, so being justified before God brings us peace.

The amazing thing about this verse in Romans 5:1, is that it show how incredible God grace is and how much he loves us. While we were still sinners and enemies of God because of our sin, he sent Jesus to die for us and extended the offering of peace to us. Many Christian do no understand that we are at complete peace before God. He is not angry with us, he is not mad at us, our sin is not an issue with him... the truth is, he loved us so much he did everything possible to restore us unto himself, he stopped at nothing.

Many people go through life trying to fill the void, emptiness and longing for peace with everything else but what can truly satisfy. Jesus told his disciples in the book of John, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) It was imperative that they knew how to have peace, because all around them was trouble. Jesus is called the prince of peace. So even in a world where we lack peace and trouble surrounds us at every turn, by knowing Jesus we have peace, not only heart peace, but we have peace with God because we have been justified by him.

The only way to access this peace, is by faith in Jesus. Today I pray that as you read this, you make Jesus your Lord and savior and experience true peace before him. Knowing that you are at harmony with God will also bring heart peace into your life to enjoy always. Amen!

This verse is a barometer to how one is fairing in life. Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" ( John 16:33 ). He meant exactly that, this world is full of trouble, heartache and persecution at the hands of the world, but in the midst of these things it is possible to have peace. James said something similar when he said, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds" ( James 1:2 ). He was saying don't be surprised at it when you become the worlds target because of Christ and don't be caught off guard when you experience pain in life. These verses are meant to encourage us and give us hope. And today we learn how to have life and peace in the midst of the world in which we live.

The Amplified Bible puts it best, "Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever]" ( Romans 8:6 Amp ). If we are living out of our new nature as born again believers, then it doesn't matter what comes our way, because we will experience soul peace.

Soul peace is a marvelous thing. It is experiencing the kind of peace that only the Holy Spirit can give you. It is the calm in the midst of the storm and it dwells inside of you. It makes no logical sense to the world around you and it is something that cannot be understood without having the Holy Spirit inside you. Jesus is called the prince of peace, he came not to bring peace on earth but peace between you and God. Now that we have been reconciled with the Father we are not at war with Him but we are in a state of peace with him. That peace lives within us as born again believers. It is the quiet tranquility that exists in our very nature. When we live according to the Holy Spirit and let Him live through us then are continually abiding in this peace. And if we are abiding in it, then it is only natural that this peace will spill over into the natural realm as well.

We have this incredible life and peace within our born again spirit. However to experience it, we must renew our minds to it. Paul said, "the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace" ( Romans 8:6 ). Getting this peace out into the natural realm seems like a mystery, but he just said we will experience this when we let our soulish realm, which is our mind, our thoughts, our personalities and consciousness be ruled by the Holy Spirit. This is a choice. Paul said in Colossians, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts..." ( Colossians 3:15 ). What he literally meant is let Christ's peace call the shots in your life. Let it play umpire in your mind deciding how you will react. "And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]" ( Colossians 3:15 Amp ). This is how to experience the life and peace that Jesus purchased for you.

Is your life full of turmoil? Is your head swimming in negativity, anxiety and death? If it is then you are not living according to the Spirit of God. Life and peace is your new nature, but the choice is yours. Will you let peace rule in your heart today? Will you experience rest and calm in the midst of the worlds confusion? Today may you be blessed by knowing that soul peace was provided for you. May you decide to let this incredible gift overflow into every area of your life. Amen!

As Christians we should be above reproach according to the world's standards. We should live at peace with one another and conduct our lives aiming for what is noble, honest and proper. Even though we cannot be responsible for others behaviors; as far as it depends on us we can live at peace with everyone.

This is accomplished in our lives by the transformation that occurs when we renew our minds to the word of God. Paul started out this chapter of Romans by encouraging us to no longer be conformed or poured into the mold of the world, but rather to be transformed into a new creation by renewing our minds to this truth ( Romans 12:2 ). This is the key to all of Paul's instruction. When we align our thoughts and philosophies to what the Bible says, then we will see these things manifest in our lives.

Paul reminds us in today's passage that we are not to repay for the evil done to us being careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. This does not mean that we should seek to please mankind; rather it means that we should live righteously according to God's principals in plain view of everyone. We should be fair and honest in all of our dealings. We should be above reproach in the sight of our peers. This comes about by knowing God's principals and instructions. The more we understand God's grace toward us, the more likely we are to also extend grace when wronged. The more we internalize God's faithfulness, righteousness and truthfulness, the more these principals will be evident in our lives. This happens supernaturally by renewing our minds to the Word of God and letting the new creation that exists on the inside seep out and exist on the outside.

The Christians life was meant to be lived this way. By understanding and applying the Word of God and relying on the Holy Spirit as our guide in all things. By living by the Spirit are hearts are set on what He desires ( Romans 8:5 ), so the natural result will be living at peace with one another and shining like stars in this dark world. Today, I pray that you evaluate your heart to see where it aligns with this truth. Get into the Word and enjoy the amazing things you will find. May your life be above reproach in the sight of everyone, amen!

As believers we have more in common with our brothers and sisters in Christ than we have with the natural family we were born into. When we accepted Jesus as our savior we were reborn into God's family and now share a wonderful heritage based on His promises. This all stems from faith in Jesus and is a bond that will transcend both time and distance. We will spend all eternity with these people so it makes sense for us to aim and eagerly pursue harmony and mutual edification with each other.

So many times we let minor divisions separate and cause dissension among us instead of realizing that we were called into one body. We should be pursuing peace among each other, encouraging and building up one another instead of tearing each other down by our actions and behaviors. No matter what convictions we hold to we are to always consider our fellow brethren and behave in a way that will build them up instead of causing confusion in their lives. Paul said in the previous verses, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men" ( Romans 14:17-18 ).  There are more important things to consider than satisfying our own needs. We are a part of the kingdom and what we do has eternal significance.

So many people struggle over these kinds of issues such as eating, drinking or traditions and doctrines of the church. But Paul gave a great rule of thumb in I Corinthians, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God- even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved" ( I Corinthians 10:31-33 ). The bottom line is that whatever you do make sure you are doing it for the glory of God and it will be accepted. Our behavior should be above reproach in this world not because our acceptance with God depends on it, but because our behavior will be seen by others and by this thereby glorify our Father in heaven. Paul sought to please others in order that many would be saved. The same principle applies to us today, we should not seek our own interest but the interests of Christ and our actions should build and encourage His body.

What an amazing thing to belong to something so wonderful. We do not belong to ourselves anymore and as such we should live like WHO we are and WHOSE we are. Today I pray that you will have an eternal perspective in life and that your behavior and actions reflect that mindset. May you live your life leading to peace and mutual edification in the body of Christ and your actions lead others into this fellowship by turning them to Jesus who can save them, amen.

Paul was incredibly practical and gave great instruction. He knew that all of us were accountable to God and every person was at a different level of understanding. Because of this he gave instruction that lead toward mutual edification and building up of the body instead of tearing down by focusing on these divisions. Much of his instruction in Romans 14 is about eating and drinking and what is acceptable, and the underlying principal is just as true today as it was then. The principle of what Paul is saying is that we are to live for God, what we do and don't do should come out of a heart conviction and not because of rules and regulations given by others. What God has revealed to us as acceptable before him, we should be confident in.

Paul also reminded us that we should be patient and loving with others in their walk without causing them confusion and putting stumbling stones in their way ( Romans 14:15 ). But in the same way we should not allow others to condemn us for the freedom that Christ has revealed to us. Perhaps that is accomplished by not giving them opportunity to criticize us. We can do this by abiding in our freedom without flaunting or making a big deal about it.

The bottom line is that the kingdom of God which we have been called into is not about these physical things and mental debates. We should settle in our hearts and walk in the truth we know, but the kingdom is about righteousness, peace and joy. Righteousness is the state which makes a person acceptable to God. Through Jesus we are righteous before God as we have been given His righteousness through faith ( II Corinthians 5:21 ). Next comes peace and joy, this should continually be the state of our heart. We should walk in supernatural peace and joy because these are the fruit of the Spirit that was given to us at salvation ( Galatians 5:22-23 ). Paul said in the next sentence, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit" ( Galatians 5:25 ). These things are the true things that we should consider important and which we should see operating in our lives.

When we understand that the kingdom isn't about the natural but is about the amazing things Jesus did and provided for us we can toss aside all of these minor details, habits and hang-ups that hold us back. Verse 18 says that "anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men" ( Romans 14:18 ). If we live this way in righteousness, peace and joy, then God has accepted and approved our behavior and we will win favor among mankind as well.  Today, I pray that you understand this amazing truth and disregard the non-essentials that hinder you and I pray that you fully pursue God's kingdom today!

Do you overflow with hope? Is hope bubbling up, spilling over and infecting everyone around you? Hope can be described as happy anticipation of good which is coming for the believer. This comes from knowing God because he is the author of hope so the more we walk with him the more this hope will overflow in our lives and others around us will take notice.

Jesus told the woman at the well an amazing truth concerning this when he offered her living water, he told her, "whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." ( John 4:14 ). Eternal life is something you possess right now if you are born again ( John 3:36, I John 5:13 ). It is not something we wait for but something we currently have through faith in Christ. Jesus defined eternal life in John 17, "Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent" ( John 17:3 ). It is not only a future in heaven, but it is knowing God the Father and God the Son in such a way that living water (hope) overflows into your life and bubbles up, spills over and cannot be contained.

Paul writes to the Romans "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him". Trust is something that is learned and experienced. The further we walk in fellowship with the Lord the more we know him and understand his will and desires concerning us. He fills us with joy and peace in His presence. Joy is the source of happiness; it is more than a feeling. It is the ability to be content and joyful in every circumstance. Hebrews says that Jesus was anointed with the oil of joy ( Hebrews 1:9, Psalm 45:7 ). Meaning; there has never been anyone more full of joy than Jesus. As his children it makes sense that we are also anointed and filled full of joy for this life. Peace is harmony in our relationships, but beyond that it can also be understood as a treaty or agreement to cease hostilities. As God fills you with his peace, you will understand that you are at peace with Him. He is not angry at you for sin, he does not look at you as a filthy sinner, instead he sees you as he sees Jesus ( Ephesians 4:24, 1 John 4:17 ). These things are necessary for this life. The author of hope is able to fill you to overflowing with these things as you learn to trust him and experience Him by faith.

An amazing truth is that this all happens on a supernatural level by the power of the Holy Spirit living inside you as a believer. This hope that Paul is describing is supernatural, it is not based on feelings. This means how you feel cannot dictate whether or not you experience this hope. The hope is given by God and you have it. When we walk with the Lord, the anticipation of future things builds and builds until it overflows in your life. Remember God is the author of hope and he has given you eternal life, which is knowing him in a personal and intimate way. We experience this life by faith and the more we practice it the more this joy, peace and hope will spill out into the natural realm of our lives.

Today, I pray that you renew your mind to this wonderful truth from God's word. Like Paul, my prayer for you is that you are filled to overflowing with the hope that is yours in Christ Jesus. May you experience his power, his joy and his peace today as you walk in fellowship with Him, amen.