Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
  March 20, 2024
Matthew 5:13-16
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? It’s good for nothing except to be thrown away and trampled under people’s feet. 14 You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.
Good Morning! Let your light shine!
Have you ever added too much salt to a dish you were cooking? Removing the excess salt can be difficult. My mom taught me that you can add raw potatoes to absorb the saltiness, but that doesn’t work with all foods. Sometimes, you can add lemon juice or some other citric acid that can neutralize the salt.Â
So if it is so hard to get rid of excess salt, what does Jesus mean when he talks about salt losing its saltiness? Does salt get bad? When salt comes in contact with moisture, it breaks down and is no longer useful for its intended purpose.Â
Why does Jesus use salt in his parable? Salt has many uses today, but in those times salt was critical in preserving food when refrigeration was non-existent. Without salt, the food would rot and need to be thrown away. Salt was/is used as a seasoning. Salt enhances the flavor of some foods. Too much salt and you no longer taste the food. Too little salt and the food tastes bland.Â
So, how are we to be the salt of the earth? We are to draw out what is good as we enhance the world with our seasoning and preserve all that is good. We must be vigilant so that the salt/God is not watered down so that it no longer is of use. We are to add just the right amount so that God is glorified by all who believe.Â
Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. Sometimes we rush in and mask what is holy with too much salt. Help us find the just right amount. We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: What can we do to enhance and preserve the teachings of God?
Be the Salt! Pastor Liz