Wayne's House 偉恩的家

The first of over 30 references to salt in the Bible is found in the Book of Job, recorded about 2,250 BC.
The most famous reference is when Lot's wife is turned into a pillar of salt. Jesus also uses salt as an illustration when he says, “You are the salt of the earth?” He is referring to the characteristics we will exhibit as his followers on earth. In many cultures salt plays a vital part in religious ritual, symbolizing purity.

Did you know in old Japanese theaters, salt was sprinkled on the stage before each performance to prevent evil spirits from casting a spell on the actors? A similar practice of sprinkling salt continues in sumo wrestling pre-fight ceremonies. Salt was also used as currency. Ethiopia, for example, used one pound salt bars as their standard currency.

In ancient Greece slaves were traded for salt, hence the phrase: “Not worth his salt” which means “not worth the price.” Maybe Christ meant we were to permeate the world like salt permeates the body. Did you know every cell in your body contains salt? An adult human body contains about 250 grams of salt to maintain the normal volume of blood and digest food. For human consumption good quality sea salt contains essential minerals for the body such as magnesium. Because the chemical industry needs pure sodium and chloride, vital magnesium is taken out to make it flow smoother making it suitable for the chemical market. Natural ocean salt alone possesses the power to restore wholeness to human internal body fluids. Salt is critical to life. Is your life critical to the health of this world?


Thinking it over . . .

Read verse 10. Does righteousness lead to persecution? Why is that?

Look at verse 16. If they are YOUR good deeds why does the Father get the credit (glory)?

Read verses 13-15. What’s the purpose/function of Salt? Of Light?

How does a person lose their saltiness? Hide their light?

Do you struggle more with retaining your saltiness? Or, hiding your light? Explain Describe a time in your life, when you experienced persecution. Were you able to be Salt and Light?

What is one way you can “let your light shine”? What is one way you can be “salt of the earth?” How will you accomplish “that one thing” THIS WEEK?

Scripture Reading
Matthew 5:3-16