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1 Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of the Highest God. He met Abraham, who was returning from "the royal massacre," and gave him his blessing.
2 Abraham in turn gave him a tenth of the spoils. "Melchizedek" means "King of Righteousness." "Salem" means "Peace." So, he is also "King of Peace."
3 Melchizedek towers out of the past--without record of family ties, no account of beginning or end. In this way he is like the Son of God, one huge priestly presence dominating the landscape always.
4 You realize just how great Melchizedek is when you see that Father Abraham gave him a tenth of the captured treasure.
5 Priests descended from Levi are commanded by law to collect tithes from the people, even though they are all more or less equals, priests and people, having a common father in Abraham.
6 But this man, a complete outsider, collected tithes from Abraham and blessed him, the one to whom the promises had been given.
7 In acts of blessing, the lesser is blessed by the greater.
8 Or look at it this way: We pay our tithes to priests who die, but Abraham paid tithes to a priest who, the Scripture says, "lives."
9 Ultimately you could even say that since Levi descended from Abraham, who paid tithes to Melchizedek,
10 when we pay tithes to the priestly tribe of Levi they end up with Melchizedek.
11 If the priesthood of Levi and Aaron, which provided the framework for the giving of the law, could really make people perfect, there wouldn't have been need for a new priesthood like that of Melchizedek.
12 But since it didn't get the job done, there was a change of priesthood, which brought with it a radical new kind of law.
13 There is no way of understanding this in terms of the old Levitical priesthood,
14 which is why there is nothing in Jesus' family tree connecting him with that priestly line.
15 But the Melchizedek story provides a perfect analogy: Jesus, a priest like Melchizedek,
16 not by genealogical descent but by the sheer force of resurrection life--he lives!--
17 "priest forever in the royal order of Melchizedek."
18 The former way of doing things, a system of commandments that never worked out the way it was supposed to, was set aside;
19 the law brought nothing to maturity. Another way--Jesus!--a way that does work, that brings us right into the presence of God, is put in its place.
20 The old priesthood of Aaron perpetuated itself automatically, father to son, without explicit confirmation by God.
21 But then God intervened and called this new, permanent priesthood into being with an added promise: God gave his word; he won't take it back: "You're the permanent priest."
22 This makes Jesus the guarantee of a far better way between us and God--one that really works! A new covenant.
23 Earlier there were a lot of priests, for they died and had to be replaced.
24 But Jesus' priesthood is permanent. He's there from now to eternity
25 to save everyone who comes to God through him, always on the job to speak up for them.
26 So now we have a high priest who perfectly fits our needs: completely holy, uncompromised by sin, with authority extending as high as God's presence in heaven itself.
27 Unlike the other high priests, he doesn't have to offer sacrifices for his own sins every day before he can get around to us and our sins. He's done it, once and for all: offered up himself as the sacrifice.
28 The law appoints as high priests men who are never able to get the job done right. But this intervening command of God, which came later, appoints the Son, who is absolutely, eternally perfect.
The Message (MSG)
The Message (MSG) is a contemporary, paraphrased translation of the Bible, crafted to bring the scriptures to life in modern, conversational English. Developed by pastor and scholar Eugene H. Peterson, The Message was published in segments starting in 1993, with the complete Bible released in 2002. Peterson’s aim was to make the Bible accessible and engaging for today’s readers, breaking down the barriers posed by traditional, formal language. His work sought to capture the original tone, rhythm, and intent of the biblical texts, presenting them in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.
One of the defining characteristics of The Message is its use of dynamic equivalence, focusing on conveying the thoughts and meanings behind the original texts rather than adhering to a word-for-word translation. This approach allows for the use of idiomatic expressions and modern phrasing, making the scriptures feel more relatable and immediate. Peterson, who had a deep understanding of both the biblical languages and modern culture, aimed to bridge the gap between the ancient world of the Bible and the everyday experiences of today’s readers.
The Message has been praised for its readability and ability to convey the emotional and narrative elements of the Bible in a fresh, vivid manner. Its accessible language makes it particularly appealing to those who might find traditional translations difficult to understand or intimidating. Many readers appreciate The Message for its ability to make familiar passages feel new and impactful, often shedding light on the scriptures in ways that resonate on a personal level. It is frequently used in personal devotions, group studies, and church services where clarity and relatability are paramount.
Despite its popularity, The Message has faced criticism from some scholars and traditionalists who argue that its paraphrased nature can lead to oversimplification and loss of nuance. Critics contend that in striving for contemporary relevance, The Message sometimes departs too far from the original texts, potentially altering the intended meanings. However, supporters of The Message appreciate its ability to engage modern readers and spark interest in the Bible, seeing it as a valuable tool for evangelism and discipleship. Overall, The Message stands out as a bold and innovative translation that has made a significant impact on how many people experience and understand the Bible.