"You
are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its
saltness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be
thrown out and trodden under foot by men. "You are the light of the world.
A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a
bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light
so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your
Father who is in heaven.
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Jesus
used ordinary images, such as salt and light, to convey extraordinary truths.
What does salt and light have to teach us about God and his reign on earth?
Salt was a valuable commodity in the ancient world. People traded with it, like
we trade with gold and stock. Salt also served a very useful purpose in hot
climates before the invention of electricity and refrigeration. Salt not only gave
food flavor, it also preserved meat from spoiling. Jesus used the image
of salt to describe how his disciples are to live in the world. As salt
purifies, preserves, and penetrates, so the disciple must be as salt in the
world of human society to purify, preserve, and penetrate that society for the
kingdom of God and of his righteousness and peace.
Jesus
also used the image of light and a lamp to further his illustration. Lamps in
the ancient world served a vital function, much like they do today. They enable
people to see and work in the dark and to avoid stumbling. The Jews also
understood “light” as an expression of the inner beauty, truth, and goodness of
God. In his light we see light. His word is a lamp that guides our
steps. God’s grace not only illumines the darkness in our lives, but it
also fills us with spiritual light, joy, and peace. Jesus used the image of a
lamp to describe how his disciples are to live in the light of his truth and
love. Just as natural light illumines the darkness and enables one to see
visually, so the light of Christ shines in the hearts of believers and enables
us to see the heavenly reality of God’s kingdom. In fact, our mission is
to be light-bearers of Christ so that others may see the truth of the
gospel and be freed from the blindness of sin and deception.
Jesus
remarks that nothing can remain hidden or secret. We can try to hide things
from others, from ourselves, and from God. How tempting to shut our eyes from
the consequences of our sinful ways and bad habits, even when we know what
those consequences are. And how tempting to hide them from others and even from
God. But, nonetheless, everything is known to God who sees all. There is great
freedom and joy for those who live in God’s light and who seek his truth. Those
who listen to God and heed his voice will receive more from him. Do you know
the joy and freedom of living in God’s light?
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“Lord
Jesus, you guide me by the light of your saving truth. Fill my heart and mind
with your light and truth and free me from the blindness of sin and deception
that I may see your ways clearly and understand your will for my life. May I
radiate your light and truth to others in word and deed.”
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