Dear families,

We marvel at stories with two characters who are total opposites of each other. This is why so many stories feature some form of a noble hero and an immoral villain. The contrast of character and conduct is what drives the tension of the story.

In Genesis 14, we find two completely opposite kings: the king of Sodom and the king of Salem. One sought to get; the other sought to give. One sought to curse; the other sought to bless. One sought to take life; the other sought to give life.

These two rulers illustrate the spirit of the world and the Spirit of God, two forces actively at work in our world and in our lives.

This is why Paul reminded us in Ephesians 6 to put on the full armor of God. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand” (Eph. 6:12-13).

We live in the middle of a real fight between two opposing forces seeking to own our hearts. One, the evil spirit in our present world, like the king of Sodom seeks to take from us and generate chaos and confusion. The other, the Spirit of the living God, like the King of Salem seeks to give life and bring peace and joy.

In our present world, we must recognize that this battle goes on inside of every believer. And we must put on the full armor of God daily that we might withstand the attack of the evil one and faithfully commit to full submission to the Spirit of God. It’s not enough that we deny the evil one; we must say “yes” to God.

This battle is real and raging. And the people of God must fight with great resolve to ensure our allegiance remains to the only good King, the Lord.

The next time you’re in the car, try to count how many road signs you see. It will be a lot because they’re everywhere! Drivers are required to pay attention to these signs and to know the message each sign communicates. Road signs are there to help you notice what you might otherwise miss.

As we read our Bibles, God has placed signs everywhere that are meant to draw our attention to Jesus. Long before Jesus was born, God gave us pictures of what Jesus would be like and what He would do. God did not want us to miss seeing Jesus as the hero of the story!

God placed one of these signs in the story of Abraham. After Abraham fought to rescue his nephew Lot, he was visited by a man named Melchizedek. Melchizedek was the King of Salem, and the Bible says he was also “Priest of God Most High.” Melchizedek blessed Abraham, and then he pretty much disappeared from the story of the Bible.

These short verses that introduce us to Melchizedek are a sign meant to point us to Jesus—the better King and greater Priest! The book of Hebrews says that Jesus is the “high priest we need: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.” (Hebrews 7:26) Jesus gave Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Through faith in Him, we can have forgiveness and eternal life.

Melchizedek means “king of righteousness.” Melchizedek reminds us of Jesus, an even greater priest and king who lives forever. Jesus died on the cross and rose again to bless all who trust in Him by providing forgiveness and eternal life.

Pray: God, thank You for all the signs that point us to Jesus. He is better than anything else. Help us to trust in Jesus and help our lives to be a sign that points others to Him.

Who makes everything happen? God makes everything happen.

Who is in control of everything? God is in control of everything.

Who is in control of everything? God is in control of everything in heaven and on earth. Nothing is outside of God's good plan.

Look up the origin and meaning of each family member’s name. If you chose a child’s name because of its meaning, share why you did. Talk about how the meaning of Melchizedek, “king of righteousness,” is a sign that points us to Jesus as the perfectly righteous King.

Bake some biscuits for the leaders of your Missional Community Group. Deliver the bikkies and encourage them in the work God has called them to do and thank them for helping your family see how the Bible points us to Jesus as the greater priest and king.

Supplies: cookie mix

We looked at this verse at DC Kids last Sunday. Consider talking about what this verse means and memorizing it as well.