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THIS WEEK’S BIBLE INSIGHTS ARE BY:
Celia Bowring and are based on Matthew 5:13-20 (NIV)
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO READ MORE ON THIS WEEK’S MAJOR THEME:
Romans 12:9-21 and 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
13 “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.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil
them. 18 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.
19 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.
20 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.”
Sunday December 29 - Christians ‘worth their salt’
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it
be made salty again?” Matthew 5:13
Every living thing depends on salt’s chemical properties to survive. In Jesus’ day, it was prized as an antiseptic, for its ability to prevent rot and decay in food and to bring out flavour. This reminds us of the truth that without Jesus Christ, the Creator and Sustainer of the entire universe, everything would perish. And as his disciples, adopted into God’s family, he sends us in the Spirit’s power to be like him – life-giving, healing, flavoursome, preserving salt in a world marred by sin. Through the ages Christians have founded schools, healed the sick, protected the vulnerable, brought justice to the oppressed, liberated prisoners, and spread joy and beauty in every culture through sharing the gospel.
Salt is ineffective unless it is applied in enough quantity. A single grain has little impact. And if contamination sets in, salt becomes worthless. Similarly, Jesus warned that unless we daily come before the Father and grow in loving relationships with other believers, to prevent us from slipping into sinful ways, we will no longer be salty, but worse than useless. Church history sadly includes episodes of violence, slavery, prejudice and cruelty supposedly done in God’s name but completely contrary to his will. Individuals can lose their saltiness too. We need the Spirit’s power to stay ‘salty’! Let’s come to God to receive his mercy and grace each day, and then go out to share his love!
Lord, through your grace and power, may I be your salt, bringing flavour, healing and goodness to others. Amen.
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PRAYER FOR TODAY