Matthew 5:13
You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality) how can its saltiness be restored? It is not goof for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men.
Salt was used (as commanded by God) in sacrificial offerings in the Old Testament. The primary purpose was for remembrance of the covenant, or promises, God had made with Israel. Salt was to be added to the offering. We read this in Leviticus 2:13 and Numbers 18:19 - God directed salt to be a part of all the grain offerings in the Temple.
Why are we called to be "Salt"?
Salt is pure - Germs cannot live in it. Jesus uses salt as a metaphor to show that believers are to be pure and to have the "salt" of God living in us. At birth, salt was rubbed on a new born baby's skin to purify it.
Salt purifies - We are THE salt of the earth. We bring purity to the world by not accepting false philosophies. We do not embrace dishonest ways of doing business. We are called to not given in to selfish desires.
Salt was believed to drive away demons. It is interesting to note that only the dark (occult) side forbids using salt. You will not find any salt on the table or in the food served at any black sabbath or in any pagan religious offering.
Salt produces thirst - As a follower of Jesus, the Spirit in us touches others through the telling of our story. He produces a spiritual thirst in those who don't know Jesus.
Salt is an enduring mineral - Large salt deposits, surviving thousands of years, and under great pressure, still hold their flavor and taste.
I like how Jesus made the statement in Matthew 5 ----"You ARE the salt of the earth." Not "you will be" or "you might be if you work and study hard". Being salt is a by product of being saved and a follower of Jesus. The sad part is that the church (organized professing church) has turned into a salt cellar where the salt is stored. Like being in a salt shaker. It takes the hand of God to come and lay hold and shake the salt out where it will do some good. Isn't that what he did to the first church in Acts? Persecution comes and the church is dispersed all over the world.
Hey! Flavor someones life today.
Shake, shake, shake, shake!
God on you.....
mb
2 comments:
Being salt is our ministry to the world. Thanks for the encouragement.
This has been a week of remembrance and God's ability to see beyond this day and season.
I have been given such hope for what lies ahead and it came at just the right time.
God is so good!
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