THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 254

Melchisedec met Abraham when Abraham was returning home from the slaughter of the Kings. Melchisedec was Priest of the Most High God, the King of Salem, the King of peace and the King of righteousness. Melchisedec held in his hands the bread and wine. It was Melchisedec that blessed Abraham.

Note: The blessing was imparted from Melchisedec to Abraham (the least being blest by the greater). Abraham was now possessor of the blessing. There were no strings attached to the blessing. The blessing was solely activated by Melchisedec. God reached out to man -- the descent of God into man. It is not the ascent of man toward God, for man endeavouring to ascend to God is indeed nothing more than a form of religion.

Abraham , AFTER receiving the BLESSING then OFFERS to Melchisedec one tenth of the spoils of victory (which Abraham himself wanted no share of). The Word that must be emphasized is that Abraham OFFERED. It was not demanded by Melchisedec. In the New Testament, for example we read the scriptural passage that states ... Give as unto the LORD, not grudgingly for God loves a cheerful giver.

Today, however, tithes are demanded along with offerings in churches, fulfilling the scripture in so many ways that they (religious institutions) shall make merchandise of you. For many, that is exactly what religion thrives on. Shows on television are utilized to fleece the flock. They talk about money as being the seed and they urge to plant a seed into their ministries.

However, as we have elaborated here, the SEED is the Word of God and the Word is JESUS. Acts 20 declares that elders ought to work with their own hands. In this regard, the apostle Paul led by example. Unfortunately, too many times religion (and likewise preacher opportunists) are only too willing to take one's money. Indeed, some might suggest that church denominations are only interested in taking our money. But the scriptures state, Silver and Gold have I none, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of JESUS, stand up and walk.

This is a far more effective way to evangelize the world with the gospel of God, revealed in the face of JESUS the Christ. This is the same God that states, go you into all the world and preach this Gospel without ever mentioning money.

A good analogy is the penny doubled every day for 28 days and how as a collective, the pennies will eventually reach one million. In a practical sense, we ought to be witnessing to at least one individual a day. By so doing, we at no cost should/would reach one million people in 28 days! Now just imagine if that million, were to preach to one person daily and they in turn preached to another person each day. It would then be perceivable that by the Grace of God, we could reach the seven billion inhabitants of earth fulfilling JESUS prayer, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as is done in Heaven!”

In other words, let believers be about our Father’s business. God bless all who preach the blood and water (bread and wine) good news as we put in the sickle and reap. Peace to all or as the King of Salem, our Great High priest, our only Mediator, leads and guides us, for we shall all be taught of God.