Salt and Light
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11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.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.
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The setting is Sermon on the Mount where there were large crowds on the slope by Sea Galilee. Jesus had just spoken about the characteristics of the blessed – The Beatitudes. Now he says to those characters go and make a difference in the world – as salt and light!
This passage challenges our fellowships. How we are getting on in the area where we are ‘poured out’ (like salt) in Ventnor, Isle of Wight and beyond. The church is a counterculture for the good of an area.
How are we getting on as lights on the hill?
Our reading divides into three bite-sized pieces:
1. The Blessedness of Persecution. 2. Salt of the earth. 3. Light of the world
The Blessedness of Persecution
Blessed are poor in spirit, weep, meek, seek righteousness, merciful, morally pure, peace-makers. The Beatitudes describe the character of the Christian, today we learn we are Salt & Light which speaks of the Christian’s influence for good in the world.
Jesus was always very honest about what would happen to his followers – there would be persecution and in Matt 5:11 he says there is a Blessedness in persecution. Matthew 5:11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you & falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. (NB it is because of Jesus).
It is a development of the 8th Beatitude. It links the characteristics of the Christian and the effect we can have on the world – salt and light and the consequences too.
There will be insults, persecutions and people will say all kinds of evil because of Jesus because light exposes injustice and dishonesty, greed, selfishness, pride, and immorality.
NB it doesn’t say if but when they persecute you. If you are salt of the earth you will be hurt – when not if.
Dave McConnell street preacher in Leeds was arrested, fined £620, given 80 hrs community service and reported to the terrorist watchdog – for addressing a transgender heckler as a gentleman. (The arresting police officer had pentagram tattoos - how can he not be biased).
If you are salt of the earth, rather than hitting back or feeling self-pity our scripture says in verse twelve, “Rejoice” – our “reward is in heaven” – this is the spiritual battle that we are engaged in. It may seem strange to talk about the Blessedness of persecution but our focus is on our loyalty to Jesus and on what is in store for us at our earthly journey’s end.
Salt of the Earth
Question: What have war-torn Bakhmut, Carrickfergus in NI and Winslow in Cheshire in common?
Answer: All have famous Salt mines. Carrickfergus has the only Salt mine in Ireland. Winslow is U.K.’s largest and oldest working salt mine (since 1844), Bakhmut has Europe’s largest Salt mine.
The Ukraine/Russia war over Bakmut is not just about territory, Bakmuk has Europe’s largest and purest salt mines. Supplies most of Europe’s table salt. Has 125 miles of tunnels nearly 1000 foot underground. The temperature underground is constant 15°C and 60% humidity and has healing properties for lung conditions.
It has accommodation and galleries and even a church underground at Bakhmut.
It is precious not just because of its geography, it is precious for its purity and permanence - it will serve the earth until the Lord returns (It has 2000 years of reserves).
This salt is precious, pure and medicinal Salt was precious in NT times. The Romans had a saying “Nil Utilius sole et sale.” There is nothing more useful than sun and salt. It was taxed by the Romans. It had various uses – religious sacrifice, medicinal, food preservation and seasoning.
Matthew 5:14 Jesus says ‘you are the salt of the earth’, a natural metaphor for people of Galilee especially fishermen - everyone knew it had worth.
1. In religious sacrifice salt spoke of commitment. In the Jewish Scriptures, the ‘covenant of salt’ spoke of God’s constancy and permanency in covenants. Numbers 18:19 ‘an everlasting covenant of salt before the Lord for you and your descendants.’
A commitment made in salt was expected to endure.
2. Purity. As ‘salt of the earth’ we are an e.g. of Purity. In world where there is lowering of moral standards; we should be salt of the earth who keep God’s standards of purity: how we speak, conduct, honesty, morality. To be effective Christians must retain Christ-likeness as salt must not become impure. Salt in the neighbourhood – speaking out and standing out in our times of moral promiscuity – salt is about purity
In contrast to the decay in society of Me First society, if it feels good do it –“salt of the earth” people are gentle, calm, not angry texting, keeping harmony, not hoarding possessions.
3. Medicinal. Salt is pre-Savlon an antiseptic, a healer. (If you have a sore throat gargle salt and water and it will bring healing, mouth ulcers rinse with salt). How often do we see ourselves as healing agents? People need to hear the good news that broken lives can be made whole again in Jesus Christ. We can be ministers of divine healing for the sick, spiritually and physically in Jesus.
4. Preservative, to prevent decay. Salt used to keep meat and fish from rotting. Do we see ourselves as agents in the world to prevent rottenness? Preserving God’s moral standards. Writing to our MP, signing petitions, preventing decay
5. Seasoning (not bland). Greek word for ‘salt’ also means wit and sparkle. Salt puts the zest into a meal, transforming the plain into the delicious. In Matt 5:14 Jesus said ‘salt of the earth’ in SOTM meaning active Christians should attractive people attracting others to our Lord. This isn’t about changing the Christian Church, but about changing the world. Salty people are reliable, committed, kind, genuine & honest. These are the people who change the world. According to Jesus.
NB we are not to focus on the salt but on the difference we can make (when we season a steak we do not say, that was great salt - we say that was great steak!) Our testimony is about the difference Christ makes in our lives: We are fulfilled, have purpose, peace, we are saved - that witness will influence others.
Salt: a seasoning is also a preservative, medicinal and pure.
Light of the World
“You are the Light of the world…… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14,16
Light of the World. Think for a moment about St Catherine’s Lighthouse
a) Light protects ships from sailing into danger when can’t see clearly. We can intercede in prayer that FRANC will know the dangers of their sinful ways & will be guided into the safe harbour of Jesus.
b) Light destroys darkness. Notice light shows up things the darkness hides - dirt, sin. In the light the dirt can be dealt with [Illust. See dust in a sunlit room]
c) The lighthouse is a beacon of truth. We are holding up Christ for all to see. God showing the world the truth of Jesus, who he is – the image of the invisible God. When people know you are a Christian they need to see that it makes a difference in your life and you are the light reflecting Christ the light, see Christ in you. Our testimony should influence/impact the world around us.
But let’s question that picture of the lighthouse – it is not a town on a hill which is a picture of community. It is often said you can be a Christian without being part of a church or a fellowship. This verse differs. You can’t be a town on a hill all by yourself !
In NT times the town on a hill would have a glow of the lamps & fires at night. Town on a hill, people would look up and see it for miles. Jerusalem was on a hill. There was no light pollution then from street lights just a gentle glow of the community of houses.
In John 8:12 “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” In this sermon on the mount Jesus says- ‘YOU are the light of the world.’ You plural, you as a community or fellowship.
It is not that we are the source but that we reflect Christ the light (like the Moon reflects the sun). The fellowship reflecting the Light of Christ. Through the church, God can show the people around you (who you mingle with and influence) who God is and what he is like. Through prayer and in witness (For example your midweek prayer group in the Play Cafe and Messy Church and through your partnership with SWAY).
Good deeds of mercy and justice, generosity, conciliatory. Good deeds are not just good actions but include everything we say or do because we are a Christian, outward visible demonstration of faith. It’s about living out the Christian life in this neighbourhood, where you live. Our witness is so important, Live it and speak it out.
Conclusion
The war over Bakhmut is like a metaphor for the spiritual battle we are facing today. The kingdom of Darkness trying to corrupt what is pure, permanent, healing and life in all it’s fullness. The kingdom of light has already won the victory on the cross and resurrection.
The metaphors of salt and light spoke about the effect that our holiness and faithfulness would have in the world. It should be attractive and illuminate, like both salt and light. Our relationship with God should have an obvious impact on everyone who comes in contact with us. Jesus isn’t just calling us to be devoted, He’s challenging us to have an influence where are. The great Commission challenged us to ‘Go into the world’ but Matthew 28:20 ends with this promise “I am with you always” friends we are not alone in this spiritual battle.
Ancient of Days
Though the nations rage
Kingdoms rise and fall
There is still one King
Reigning over all
So I will not fear for this truth remains:
That my God is the Ancient of Days
Chorus
None above Him, none before Him
All of time in His hands
For His throne it shall remain and ever stand
All the power, all the glory
I will trust in His name
For my God is the Ancient of Days
Though the dread of night
Overwhelms my soul
He is here with me
I am not alone
O His love is sure and He knows my name
For my God is the Ancient of Days
Chorus…. None above Him…
City Alight
