King of Peace - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2024

Melchisedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. And He was priest of the Most High God.
Genesis 14:18

King of Peace
Abram's nephew Lot had chosen the part of the land that was pleasant to view, had the best feeding ground, and was near a certain city: Sodom. A king from a distant land had begun to collect taxes from Sodom and four surrounding cities. This continued for twelve years until the people of these five cities rebelled. The distant king, not to be put off, mounted an army from his and three of his allies' cities. In the ensuing battle, the rebellion was squashed and the people and their possessions taken captive. Among the captives was Lot and his family. Abram, now hearing the news, mounted his own 318-man army. Led by the Lord, they surrounded the enemy and freed the captives and their possessions. The war was over; once again there was peace in the land. It was a time to rejoice and be glad and to reflect on life and the Giver of life.

Now, upon this scene appeared another king: Melchisedek, King of Salem, priest of the Most High God. Salem means "peace." It is also believed to be an early name of the city of Jerusalem. Melchisedek, king of peace, brought "refreshments" to those gathered there that day: bread and wine. He could have brought meat, cheese, and a whole host of foods, but he did not. We often think of wine as typifying joy. We also see fellowship in sharing the bread.

Melchisedek's actions bring to mind something more lasting than peace following a battle victory. The bread and wine will remind us forever of the peace given us by the King of peace, our Lord Jesus Christ. The bread and wine are things we know today as the two items used to remember our Lord Jesus's sufferings and death. He is our life, He is our joy, He is the true King of peace. The bread and wine are symbols of our peace through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Brian Prigge