As we approach the solemn memorial of Passover, we prepare to share the peace offering with the King of Peace, reflecting on the inestimable cost that demands our absolute faith in action. This memorial, commanded to be kept annually, serves as a reminder of the covenant made at baptism to live as Christ lives, buried with Him in the waters of baptism. Our focus must remain on the peace offering, a meal shared in unity with the Father, the Son, and one another, as we strive to embody the humility and service Christ exemplified. In Genesis 14, we see Melchizedek, the King of Salem, the King of Peace, refreshing Abram with bread and wine after battle, a preincarnate manifestation of the Son of God. This meal, shared as a priest of God Most High, blessed Abram and acknowledged God's deliverance of enemies into his hand. It stands as a type of the memorial we keep at Passover, a peace meal that signifies our transition from relying on personal strength to embracing the peace only Christ can provide. Abraham's journey reflects our own as friends of the King of Peace. From his initial reliance on physical gifts to rescue Lot, to the moment of sharing the peace meal with Melchizedek, we see a shift toward faith and dedication to God's way. Later, in Genesis 18, Abraham humbly serves the King of Peace and others, providing water for washing feet and a meal with outgoing concern, mirroring the example Christ set for His disciples on the night of Passover. Abraham no longer takes matters into his own hands but lays everything before the King of Peace, trusting in His righteousness to save. The ultimate expression of faith as a friend of the King of Peace is seen in Genesis 22, where Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrates his unyielding commitment to follow God's commands, knowing it will work for good. This act underscores the depth of devotion required as we participate in the Passover peace meal, focusing on unity within the body of Christ, humbly serving one another without partiality as Christ commanded. As we draw near to this memorial, we must examine ourselves, ensuring we do not partake in the peace offering with the King of Peace in an unworthy manner. The warning in Proverbs 7 reminds us that participating in this offering while following a faithless, self-serving path leads to peril. Instead, we are called to live as Christ lives, with outgoing concern for every member of the body of Christ, striving for unity as His friends and heirs according to the promise of the King of Peace.

Christ is acknowledged as King of Salem, meaning King of Peace, revealing a vital quality of His leadership. Under His reign, righteousness and peace will spread over all the earth, marking a profound transformation. As we prepare for the days ahead, let us hold fast to our calling to serve alongside our King, embracing the peace He brings to all nations in the soon-coming age.

The biblical origins of Jerusalem trace back to the ancient Canaanite site of Salem, associated with the priestly king Melchizedek, known as the king of righteousness by name and the king of peace by office. In Hebrews 7:1-2, Melchizedek is described as the king of Salem, meaning king of peace, highlighting the early connection of this title to the city that would become Jerusalem. The name Salem, signifying both peace and completion, ties into the future identity of Jerusalem as a place intended for divine peace, as seen in Psalm 76:1-2, where Salem is identified as the location of God's tabernacle and dwelling place in Zion. Despite this ideal, Jerusalem's history has often been marked by conflict, far from embodying the peace suggested by its association with the king of peace. Yet, the ultimate destiny of Jerusalem, reflected in its Hebrew name Ye-rush-a-lay-im, implies a habitation of divine peace and completion, pointing toward a future where true peace will be realized under divine rule.

In the vast flood of human words, the precision of God's revelation stands out, especially in the profound declarations of Jesus Christ after His resurrection. Among the significant titles and roles attributed to Him, Melchizedek, known as the Priest of the Most High, is also called the King of Salem, which translates to King of Peace. This title emerges in Genesis 14, where Melchizedek appears to Abram after a battle to free Lot, following a time when God had granted peace. The next day, the LORD assured Abram that He would be his shield and exceedingly great reward, embodying themes of shalom—safety and prosperity. This occasion marks the first mention of peace in Scripture, where the LORD, with deliberate precision, promised Abram that he would go to his fathers in peace, signifying a life ending not in turmoil but in completeness and well-being as he awaited the day of Christ.