Salt (Part 1)
First published March 17, 2008
Matthew 5:13a (NIV)
You are the salt of the earth.
**** ****
Salt is an interesting compound. NaCl (sodium chloride) is a crystalline mineral readily found in the ocean (aqueous) and sediment rock. Today we don’t appreciate salt as much as people did in bible times. Historically, salt had been used as a preservative for as far back as 8000 years ago. Its value was global. Battles were fought over salt mining sites in places such as Saltzburg (Salt Town), Austria. Salt was used as a trading commodity, even as money. The English word “salary” comes from the Roman word “salt.”
So, when Matthew records Jesus’ words, the people of the day were seriously impacted by verse 13. This passage appears after the Beatitudes portion of the Sermon on the Mount. It continues Jesus’ encouragement to the disciples and multitudes of people. Through him they are the “salt of the earth,” preservers of the message of salvation.
Can we today relate to this verse when our society relies upon refrigeration and salt is so readily available? Let’s go ahead and use our present-day knowledge. First salt is essential for normal health by maintaining the electrolyte balance of human body cells. Without this balance, cells would either explode, or dehydrate. I’m glad salt is readily available. Next, salt creates a toxic environment for microorganisms so bad bacteria is killed and foods last longer. Synthetic uses of salt include PVC and pesticides. Both of these have been instrumental in improving our quality of life. (http://www.enviroliteracy.org/article.php/1184.html)
So yes, salt is still and will always be valuable. Next time you season with salt, consider how Christ wants us to be preservers of his word. What a great motive for glorifying Him.
**** ****
Lord God, thank you for the words of you son, Jesus. Help me to be the effective, preserving salt of the earth, spreading the good new to all who might hear. In Christ’s name I pray, amen.
Copyright 2008, Karen Vaughn
Matthew 5:13a (NIV)
You are the salt of the earth.
**** ****
Salt is an interesting compound. NaCl (sodium chloride) is a crystalline mineral readily found in the ocean (aqueous) and sediment rock. Today we don’t appreciate salt as much as people did in bible times. Historically, salt had been used as a preservative for as far back as 8000 years ago. Its value was global. Battles were fought over salt mining sites in places such as Saltzburg (Salt Town), Austria. Salt was used as a trading commodity, even as money. The English word “salary” comes from the Roman word “salt.”
So, when Matthew records Jesus’ words, the people of the day were seriously impacted by verse 13. This passage appears after the Beatitudes portion of the Sermon on the Mount. It continues Jesus’ encouragement to the disciples and multitudes of people. Through him they are the “salt of the earth,” preservers of the message of salvation.
Can we today relate to this verse when our society relies upon refrigeration and salt is so readily available? Let’s go ahead and use our present-day knowledge. First salt is essential for normal health by maintaining the electrolyte balance of human body cells. Without this balance, cells would either explode, or dehydrate. I’m glad salt is readily available. Next, salt creates a toxic environment for microorganisms so bad bacteria is killed and foods last longer. Synthetic uses of salt include PVC and pesticides. Both of these have been instrumental in improving our quality of life. (http://www.enviroliteracy.org/article.php/1184.html)
So yes, salt is still and will always be valuable. Next time you season with salt, consider how Christ wants us to be preservers of his word. What a great motive for glorifying Him.
**** ****
Lord God, thank you for the words of you son, Jesus. Help me to be the effective, preserving salt of the earth, spreading the good new to all who might hear. In Christ’s name I pray, amen.
Copyright 2008, Karen Vaughn
posted by Karen Vaughn | 5:26 PM
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