THE PERSON OF PEACE 

By Mary Jo Pierce 

Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. Genesis 14:18

At first glance, this Scripture seems to merely introduce us to a random king from a place called Salem who brings out bread and wine for Abram. Oh, and he also happens to be a priest. It doesn’t seem like it’s saying much more than that, but when we look closer, we find this Scripture is actually the first mention of the word “peace.” You see, “Salem” is derived from the Hebrew word shalom or “peace.” Furthermore, Melchizedek isn’t an ordinary priest king. Many theologians consider Melchizedek to be a foreshadowing of Jesus, our King and eternal High Priest. 

So why does the first mention of "peace" in the Bible point us to a person and a place rather than a feeling, reaction, or emotion? It’s because true peace isn’t found in our feelings and emotions. The world can’t give it to us. It can’t be bought. And it’s beyond all understanding. Peace can only be found in Jesus, the King of Peace, who sustains us and intercedes on our behalf as our eternal High Priest.

Several years ago, I went through one of the busiest seasons of my life; one filled with much unrest. It was a season when there were more questions than answers and when those few answers could only be found in listening prayer. This is when God invited me into my kitchen to start baking bread. Imagine that! In a time when I didn’t have enough time, I was introduced to making challah bread—a process that takes four to five hours from beginning to end! 

But there, as I went about my business of baking bread, my kitchen eventually transformed into my second prayer room. There, donning an apron and gathering a few simple ingredients, I began to experience the joy of baking bread. My KitchenAid soon became my guitar as I worshipped Him and prayed for others through mixing and kneading and brushing and baking this beautiful braided wonder. 

And as I worked with my hands, I discovered a peace that anchored me for the rest of the week. I needed to pause all my work and pursue something creative in my kitchen to fully experience the shalom presence of Jesus. And you can find that peace too. It’s as easy as pausing and inviting the King into what you’re doing. Maybe you paint or do woodwork. Maybe you play an instrument or take beautiful photos or garden. 

The first mention of “peace” in the Bible teaches us to look beyond pursuing the feeling of peace. That pursuit will always leave us wanting, wandering, and waiting. Instead, we’re introduced to the Person of peace. We just need to invite Him into our homes and lives. 

May the God of peace be with you today and always. 

Prayer

Today I encourage you to pray the prayer of Saint Patrick of Ireland: May Christ shield me today. Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit, Christ when I stand, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me. In Jesus' name, Amen. 

Memory Verse

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)