Here is another worship profile from the Praise and Worship Study Bible. This is a great study bible for those who want to learn more about biblical praise and worship.
Melchizedek
Some of us may remember the old television show The Lone Ranger. Each week this Western hero would fearlessly rescue someone in trouble. Then, astride his trusty steed, Silver, and accompanied by his faithful sidekick, Tonto, every kid's favorite lawman would gallop off into the sunset. Stunned but thankful townspeople would stare at the dissipating clouds of dust and ask the now-familiar question, "Who was that masked man?" That same kind of puzzling curiosity is often the response of believers after they have read about the Bible character named Melchizedek. Who was that obscure character? Where did he come from? And most important, what lessons can we learn from him?
Melchizedek the Worshiper
The name Melchizedek means "king of justice." He is identified in Genesis 14 as both the king and priest of Salem. We are introduced to him following Abram's military rescue of Lot from a coalition of local kings led by Ledorloamer. Melchizedek came to the victorious Abram, offered his tired troops a meal, and pronounced a blessing. Then, in a flash, this mysterious priest was gone.
Other than a few later references to him in Psalm 110 and Hebrews 5-7 (where he is compared to Christ, the ultimate King and Priest), Melchizedek totally disappears from the biblical record. Nevertheless, his brief appearance offers us insights about worship: First, he is an example of one who worships; and second, he illustrates some of the characteristics of Jesus Christ, the one who truly deserves our worship.
Learning from Melchizedek
Consider Melchizedek's example of worship. Although he was a secular king, he had a sacred faith in God Most High, the one true God. Consequently, he recognized the hand of God and the blessing of God in all the affairs of men--even in a nearby military skirmish. Melchizedek stopped whatever he was doing and went to celebrate with the faithful servants of God. He was quick to give God all the glory. Do we look at the world with that same perspective? Do we recognize God's sovereignty in all things and spontaneously gather with other worshipers to acknowledge it gladly? Or do we live primarily as secular men and women, relegating God and worship to a mere hour each Sunday morning?
Following the Example
Consider the characteristics that Melchizedek shared with Jesus Christ---the one who truly deserves our worship. As a priest, Melchizedek served as mediator between people and God. He pronounced blessings. He willingly received Abram's gift of a tithe. The example of Melchizedek should remind us , as blessed people, to give back to God a portion of what we have been given. Do we do that gladly and thankfully? We cannot worship God rightly as long as we are clutching our possessions tightly. These are the lessons of Melchizedek, the mysterious high priest in the life of Abram.