Melchizedek king of Salem . . . was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram. . . . Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

— Genesis 14:18-20

Often in daily life, it’s not what you know but who you know that counts. The same is true in our spiritual life: what matters most for our salvation is not what we know but who we know. As believers in Christ, we know the One whose name is above every other name. Jesus, Lord of all, is seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven.

Genesis 14 and Hebrews 7 tell us about Abraham’s remarkable encounter with Melchize­dek—a man who had a high position of authority in the ancient world. Although he is a mysterious figure in Scripture, Melchizedek was both a king and a priest of the highest ­order. And yet he came to bless Abraham. And Abraham responded by giving a tenth of his possessions (a symbol of gratitude) to this great king.

On multiple levels, Melchize­dek is a representative of Jesus Christ, our great high priest and eternal King. Mighty in power, Jesus came in grace to bless and forgive. In response, we acknowledge his rightful rule over us. And we express our gratitude by returning a portion of our possessions to him.

Having this friend in the highest place means that we can “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace” (Hebrews 4:16).

Lord Jesus, thank you for befriending us and being gracious to us even when we do not deserve it. May our lives be an expression of gratitude for all you have done for us. Amen.