So, for now, I plan to go through the Bible and look at what it has to say about world government. One aspect of this will be looking at the various statesmen.
We will start with Melchizedek.
According to Genesis 14 and Hebrews 7, Melchizedek was both the King of Salem and High Priest of God. So, he had a dual function role of political and religious leader.
In Genesis 14, Abram wins a major victory and meets with the kings of the various local city states, including Salem. In Hebrews 7, the author highly analogizes him to Christ.
We wonder why the Bible does not discuss Melchizedek more. Who was he? Where did he come from? How did he become high priest? Why does the Bible story follow Abram and not Melchizedek?
Melchizedek must have had a lot more power, prestige, in his day. Yet, so little we can glean about him. Even Hebrews 7 mentions these mysterious aspects about him, saying 'Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.' (v. 3).
Some might goes so far as to statement this means he actually was Christ. I think the statement of his lake of genealogy could be taken metaphorically, meaning not that he didn't have one, but none is described. Yet, he was high priest. So, he could have been the first high priest of all time.
Yet, the Genesis account overshadows him for someone more important in terms of the Biblical story, which is Abram. It is like Melchizedek is only a supporting cast member in the life of Abram.
We can only get from this a sense of humility. Melchizedek takes a back seat and lets the story unfold around Abram.
So, what can the Christian statesmen learn? We might have to use our power, influence, and role to raise up others.
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