This week as I studied the Old Testament, I learned a little about the high priest Melchizedek. I have often wondered why the higher priesthood was called the Melchizedek priesthood. If the Church is Christ’s Church, then why isn’t it called Christ’s Priesthood? Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) 107:2-4 explain that it “to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name.” Why Melchizedek? D&C 107:2 states “Why the first is called Melchizedek Priesthood is because Melchizedek was such a great high priest.” The Joseph Smith translation (JST) for Genesis 14 describes Melchizedek as “a man of faith, who wrought righteousness, and when a child he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of fire” (JST, Genesis 14: 26). Melchizedek was obedient to the Lord from the time he was a child. He lived his life with faith in God and good works. Just as the Savior was called “Prince of Peace, so was Melchizedek, and is such a symbol as the Savior. (JST, Genesis 14: 33) He blessed the prophet Abram (later Abraham) through the priesthood which he held. In the early times of the world, it is no wonder that Melchizedek was chosen to carry the name of the higher priesthood. He was chosen because of the life he lived.
Now a days, any worthy man 18 years and older can be ordained to carry the Melchizedek Priesthood. With that priesthood, comes the responsibility to serve others the way Melchizedek did.
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