2/3/20

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:13-20

Jesus begins a new teaching with examples of everyday things – salt and light – that people can relate to, and compares these to their role in the kingdom of God. He used this type of teaching frequently because it allowed people to see how something familiar can teach them a new thing about following Jesus. The concept He was teaching might be new or hard for them to grasp; the common examples He used made it seem more accessible.

Salt and light are still important to us today, but to the people of that time they were absolutely essential. We will see how Jesus uses this comparison to show how important we are in the plan God has for creation. God is all powerful and doesn’t need our help for anything, but He chose us to be part of what He is doing. What a wonderful blessing to be involved with our Maker!

Jesus will show us that each of us has a role to fulfill and that we have been gifted by God to complete our task. Take time today to thank God for what He has given you and where He has placed you to be useful.

Gracious God, we are called to be Your servants, involved in Your creating work, Help us to see how we are connected to You and others to do what You intend for us. Amen.

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