In Genesis 14:18, Scripture tells us that Abraham was met by Melchizedek. “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.”
We are expressly taught in the New Testament that Melchizedek is a type of Christ. If we take that type and apply it to God’s gift to us here at the Lord’s Table, we see a number of things to bless us.
Melchizedek comes to us both as a king and a priest. He is the king of Salem, which means peace, and he is the priest of the most high God.
His name means king of righteousness, and that is what God imputes to us in our justification—His righteousness. Melchizedek not only offers the bread and wine, but he also offers himself.
But the ultimate salvation offered to Abraham and all his descendents is offered under the elements of bread and wine—the same elements that we have before us here now. We have the same elements before us because the same salvation is before us.
And last, the bread and wine is given to Abraham. And who can come and receive this gift? Who is it for? The children of Abraham are marked out by their faith. That is what distinguishes children of Abraham from children of the devil. So here is the bread. Chew by faith. Here is the wine. Drink it by faith.