PRIESTHOOD

This week I am looking into the first notes of the priesthood theme in Genesis and still have much research and thinking to do.

Some scholars say that although they are never called priests, some of the language used to describe Adam and Eve's role in the Garden is connected to priestly duties elsewhere in Scripture.

And then in Genesis 14 along comes Melchizedek out of the blue, blessing Abram and receiving a tithe from him. He seems to be an independent priest of "Yahweh Most High". And he comes bearing bread and wine!

This is the second mention for each of those elements. Bread gets mentioned in Genesis 3:19 as part of God's pronouncement of consequences for Adam and Eve: "By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Even more curious is the first mention of wine - occurring when Noah steps off the ark, grows a vineyard, makes wine, and gets himself drunk. (Which leads to some vague sexual misconduct which prompts Noah to bring down curses on his grandson Canaan!?) 

But now Melchizedek appears bearing bread and wine and they are for a godly use - as a gift to be shared with Abram. 

Later, of course, Aaron's family and the Levites serve all the rest of the people as official, God-ordained priests, mediating between God and man, offering sacrifices, and teaching the Law. 

But these priests end up with a very mixed track record over the years. And when they fail in their priestly duties, the people suffer greatly.

It turns out, the Old Testament priesthood - just like the Law - fell short of reconciling humanity and God and needed to be replaced by something better.

Along comes God's Son to live the perfect human life, teach God's Law, and offer the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the people.

But that's not where the priesthood ends. For one thing, the risen Jesus continues in His role as mediator. And secondly, the Holy Spirit comes and enables all believers to become a royal priesthood themselves.

There's much to consider here! And obviously central to the story the Bible is telling.