Devotion Melchizedek

Summary
Key lessons
Biography
Activities

Summary

The story of Melchizedek and Abram is a reminder of the importance of gratitude, peace, and faithfulness. Just like Abram, we can be thankful for our blessings and share them with others.

Key Lessons

Generosity and Gratitude

Abram’s gift to Melchizedek teaches us the importance of being generous and thankful for the blessings we receive.  

Peace and Blessing

Melchizedek, as the king of Salem, symbolizes peace. His blessing of Abram reminds us of the power of sharing peace and blessings with others. 

Faithfulness

Both Abram and Melchizedek showed faithfulness to God. We can learn to trust and honor God in our own lives. 

Jesus is like Melchizedek

Like Melchizedek, Jesus blesses and mediates on behalf of God's people, providing ultimate redemption and reconciliation with God.

Biography

Genesis 14:18-20

A long time ago, in the ancient land of Canaan, there was a great man named Abram, who later became known as Abraham. Abram had just returned from a brave mission where he rescued his nephew Lot from captivity after defeating several powerful kings.

The Meeting with Melchizedek
As Abram was returning home, he was greeted by a mysterious and noble figure named Melchizedek. Melchizedek was the king of Salem, which means “peace,” and he was also a priest of the Most High God. This made him a very special and important person.

Melchizedek came out to meet Abram with a gift of bread and wine. He blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.”   
Abram was honored by Melchizedek’s blessing and recognized him as a servant of God. In gratitude and respect, Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had, which is known as a tithe. This was Abram’s way of showing thanks to God for the victory and blessings he had received.

The Significance of Melchizedek
Melchizedek is a mysterious figure in the Bible because he appears suddenly and is mentioned only briefly. However, his role is significant because he represents a priesthood that is connected directly to God, without any mention of lineage or ancestry. This makes Melchizedek a unique and special character in the Bible.  

Activities

Word Scramble

Create a word scramble using key terms from the story of Melchizedek, such as “King,” “Salem,” “Priest,” “Blessing,” “Bread,” and “Justice.” This activity helps children learn important vocabulary related to Melchizedek’s role and significance. 

Map Activity

Use a map to show the location of ancient Salem (later known as Jerusalem) and discuss its significance. This activity provides geographical context and helps children understand where Melchizedek’s story took place.  

Blessing Relay

Organize a relay race where children pass a “blessing” (a small object) from one to another, symbolizing Melchizedek’s blessing to Abraham. This activity reinforces the concept of blessings and how they are passed on.  

Act out the scene

Assign family members roles: Melchizedek, Abraham, and narrator(s). Act out the scene where Melchizedek meets Abraham, blesses him, and Abraham gives Melchizedek a gift of a tenth of everything (tithe).

Discuss the Role of a Priest

Use Melchizedek’s story to discuss what a priest does and how Melchizedek’s role as a priest of God Most High is significant. Encourage children to think about how priests in the Bible led people in worship and how Melchizedek is seen as a precursor to Jesus, the ultimate priest and king. This discussion helps them connect the story to broader biblical themes and understand Melchizedek’s importance.