Called to BE Salt and Light
Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world…"
~ Jesus
Matthew 5:13
“You are the salt of the earth” ~ Jesus
The idea that followers of Jesus are salt and light comes from Jesus’ sermon on the mount, but the ability to be salt and light comes from Jesus Himself.
As we zero in on the light side of this metaphor, we recognize this reality: God made His light shine into our hearts, Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:1-11, giving us knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Christ. The Christ-light shines not only in us but then through us to the glory of God. So says Jesus, making it reality too.
But this treasure of light and knowledge that has been placed in our hearts is displayed in ever-so-fragile jars of clay “to show this all-surpassing power is from God” and not from us. Many people like being recognized for achievements; many also prefer hiding brokenness and failures. Are you good with God getting the glory for achievements in your life? Are you good with your brokenness being used by God for his purposes?
2 Corinthians 4:7
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
Prayer for the Week
Oh Lord God, make it happen – use me, use us, use all of us to Your glory in the name of Jesus. Let me shine in my city; let me shine in my home, let me shine all around the neighborhood… As the children’s song says, I’m gonna let it shine, let it shine, all the time, let it shine! Amen.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 103:13-18
- As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; - for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust. - The life of mortals is like grass,
they flourish like a flower of the field; - the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more. - But from everlasting to everlasting
the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children— - with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.