Our scripture this week is Matthew 5:13-20.
“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
Salt, light and the law – Jesus gives us an example of familiar things, how we are like them and how God can use us for the advancement of His kingdom. Jesus blesses us through His teaching that we may better understand our relationship with God and what is expected of us as His children. Lessons like this also help us explain His love to others.
Salt is more than just a seasoning for flavor, it can also purify and preserve, as we are called to purify and preserve God’s creation. We hear from the scriptures “God is the light; in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). As His followers we are to be reflections of His light for all to see, to guide them back to the connection He intends for us.
God’s unchanging word is the law we must live by. Jesus tells us He has come to show us how to apply this in our lives, to be God’s people through our obedience. We are chosen for His purpose, to do His will and share His love with everyone.
Gracious God, we are grateful for Your love and mercy towards us. Help us to be useful in Your creating work, to show others the joy of a relationship with You. Amen.