JP25: JESUS AND THE DEAD SEA: WISDOM THAT KEEPS US SALTY

At nearly ten times the saltiness of ocean water, the Dead Sea is known for dense, mineral-filled deposits bordering its shores.  Since ancient times, workers have harvested the minerals and refined them into useful preservatives, fertilizers, and therapeutic agents.

Unlike pure salt, these deposits lose their saltiness over time when exposed to sunlight and desert air.  Like inserting toothpaste back into the tube, there’s no replacing the valuable minerals once removed.  

Jesus relates how his followers have something in common with Dead Sea salt,

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. (Matthew 5:13)

Jesus says his followers help preserve good and build up the broken when refined by his grace, but useless when cultural drying agents remove their holy character.
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Serve Others

How do we stay salty? By coming alongside others.  Jesus says that our job is to live the salt life during our time on earth.  When we stop serving, we're no longer flavoring a dark world with the light and hope of God’s unconditional love.  

Jesus encourages those who carry this light of hope in the following verse.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16

As Christ-followers, we shine bright through humble service, showing the way toward the transforming grace of Jesus.  

Eliminate Distractions

We might say, "Well, I don't feel all that shiny."   Shining is difficult when we hide our lights under a bushel of packed schedules, material pursuits, political flag-waving, and raging social media posts.  

We can't light the way when our minds are divided and cloaked in darkness.   Jesus is saying that we must remove the smokescreen of distractions, by his powerful grace, that cloud the presence of Jesus in us.

Practically speaking, how do we receive Jesus’ instruction on salt, light, and bushels and let it change us?  In other words, how can we get this command from the pages of our bibles into our lives so that we follow Jesus and make a difference for his coming kingdom?‍
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Establish New Rhythms

Removing our lights from under bushels of darkness starts with new life rhythms that alert people to God’s kingdom presence in our lives.   Rhythms where generosity and hospitality invite the question,  “Who are you and what do you have?”  

And you know what? Freeing up time for new rhythms is the kind of life that the Apostle Paul teaches the church at Colossae to copy when he writes,

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.  Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:5-6  

Our best use of time always includes specific ways of engaging the people in search of Jesus.  Not only does this make us wise, but we also build character in Christ and preserve our usefulness to his kingdom.

When we live salty, and our lights shine bright, we flavor the world around us and light the way so others can find their way to Jesus, our Savior, and that will make a difference for all of eternity.

PRAYER:
Dear Lord, thank you for reminding me to stay salty and shine bright for you.  Empower me to love unconditionally, serve selflessly, and forgive endlessly just like you do for me.  May the salt and light you produce in me make a difference on earth that echoes into eternity. Amen.

Jesus And The Dead Sea: Wisdom That Keeps Us Salty

1. Serve Others

For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”  made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Cor 4:5-6

2. Eliminate Distractions

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17

3. Establish New Rhythms

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:20