“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 6:19-20 NIV).
Much like an aircraft pilot who has been circling the runway upon which he or she wishes to land, the author of Hebrews has been edging toward a discussion concerning one particular individual since the end of chapter five. That individual is Melchizedek, the mysterious Old Testament king and priest.
You may recall that our author attempted to open that discussion earlier within this letter. But just as a tailwind often prohibits an aircraft from making direct approach to a runway, an obstacle prevented him from bringing that subject in for a landing…
“[Jesus] was appointed by God to be a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. We have a lot to say about this topic, and it’s difficult to explain, because you have been lazy and you haven’t been listening” (Hebrews 5:10-11 CEB).
While the original audience for this epistle may have preferred something less spiritually challenging than a dissertation on the subject of Melchizedek’s priesthood, that will not deter our author from addressing that subject in the following chapter. With this in mind, we can say that the author of Hebrews was clearly invested in the spiritual health and development of his audience. Thus, he will not be dissuaded from engaging in a discussion regarding this seemingly obscure figure.
In like manner, the Scriptures often present us with teachings that may be difficult to grasp and apply. While we may not agree on the meaning and application of these complex subjects, everyone can surely agree that spiritual immaturity is not a desirable option. Indeed, Jesus once rebuked His own disciples for their inability to grasp the deeper significance of His teachings. This is something we can largely avoid by dedicating ourselves to prayerfully studying the Biblical Scriptures and regularly attending a church where the Word of God is taught expositionally.
And with that, the following commentator prepares us to enter Hebrews chapter seven and the important teachings contained there…
“The writer of Hebrews was now ready to proceed to serve the ‘solid food’ he had mentioned previously, that he said his readers needed to eat (5:14—6:1). This spiritual meat was specifically the exposition concerning the present high priestly ministry of Jesus Christ” (1)
(1) Constable, Thomas. DD, Notes on Hebrews 2022 Edition “B. The Basis for Confidence and Steadfastness 6:13-20” [6:19-20] https://www.planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/html/nt/hebrews/hebrews.htm