A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW     

YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH  

Matthew 5:13 “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.” 

Did you know that over the century’s wars have been fought over control of sources of salt? In this country, during the Civil war, the Confederate strategy was to destroy all sources of salt the North had to greatly weaken their war effort. Fortunes were literally made through the control of salt, a basic commodity that is needed for many purposes in daily living.   

Jesus used the well-known need of salt in His Sermon on the mount as found here in Matthew 5:13. His use, however, had nothing to do with the dollar value of the salt. He was concerned with a much more basic reason, that of salt used to season. Salt enhances the flavor of food by suppressing bitterness and enhancing sweetness. Salt makes sweets taste even sweeter. 

Once you use salt you cannot reuse it again. Once applied to food it is absorbed. Only if you have applied more than can be absorbed will you be able to taste it. You, as Jesus says, cannot make it salty again.   

Jesus said, as a true believer in Him you are God’s salt shaker from which He pours out your good qualities to draw out and make the world a better place to live. He has called you to faith first and foremost for your salvation. Secondly, He has called you to faith in His Son to be His witnesses, to “salt” with the Gospel all that goes on in the world around you.    Note, Jesus doesn’t not speak in the imperative voice like an army general. No, He simply says “You are salt. . .” All true disciples of Jesus are salt. It comes with God’s gift of faith. It is as natural as salt from a salt mine or the salt that remains when sea water is evaporated. You are God’s seasoning applied upon the people of this world. 

Prayer: As Your disciple, Jesus, You have made me into salt to gospel the world. Grant me the wisdom and knowledge of when and where you want me to apply Your gospel. In Your holy name. Amen. 

The saints in Christ are one in ev’ry place  
To serve the Gospel of His costly grace;  
From those first days to this, our hope the same;  
The love of Christ, one Lord, one saving name. 

In chains for Christ! His pris’ners love to sing,  
For slaves and free rejoice to praise our King;  
What though the Church on earth still suffers wrong?  
The cross of Christ remains our pilgrim song. 

To live is Christ, for us, to die is gain;  
Where then shall be our hunger, danger, pain?  
Our joy to preach good news to rich and poor,  
Then be with Christ, to live forevermore. 

Lord Jesus Christ! Heav’n’s praise let earth repeat;  
The work that You began, You will complete.  
By grace let ev’ry foe become Your friend;  
Your day, O Christ, shall dawn and never end.  (LSB 838)