One Year Bible - February 23
Scriptures to read:
Matthew 5:1-20; Exodus 28:1-29:46; Proverbs 13
My kids love to dumpster dive. Whether it is a completed worksheet, a random trinket they haven't touched in years or a well loved stuffed animal, they will head to the recycling bin or trash can if they cannot find what they're looking for. The kids are well versed in finding a good hiding spot for something of significance in hopes it does not mysteriously get thrown out. Nonetheless, many things that have been tossed out still somehow make its way back into the kids' room.
Similar to throwing out useless items, today we read about Jesus speaking from the Sermon on the Mount. Addressing His disciples, He says, "You are the salt of the earth" and "You are the light of the world." If salt loses its saltiness it is useless and might as well be thrown out. Similarly, light is not to be used in a hidden place, but rather to be displayed where it will be projected to shine brightly. Thoughts of our New North Christmas Eve candlelight service came to mind. The lights are dimmed and the room starts off pitch dark. One candle burns to create a tiny glow, but as more and more candles are lit, the entire room becomes illuminated as we are all standing there together. Salt, on the other hand, has a different purpose. Salt adds flavor. It brings out the goodness in a dish, or acts as a preservative keeping food from going bad. But salt does not taste good by itself. No one eats a serving of it for breakfast. When used effectively, salt is scattered or spread out all over.
It has been almost a year since we have met together in person as a church. Some days it's easy to feel like we are the only light in a huge room. Other days are just hard to heed the call to be the salt of the earth. Yet, Jesus in His goodness and love is calling us, His followers, to scatter throughout the world, our city, the community, to be salt and light wherever we are. And we can take comfort knowing we are not alone in the process. The Holy Spirit is constantly at work in our lives. Though we cannot will ourselves into being made useful for His glory, God can use us if we embrace the Holy Spirit's power to change our hearts.
Memory Verse: 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. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:13-16
Prayer: Lord, you are so good to us. Thank you for your Holy Spirit's presence and work in our lives. Encourage our hearts to stay focused on that which is eternal. Renew our spirits, that we would see each opportunity we have as a sacred opportunity to bring worship to You.
