Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
April 25, 2023
Matthew 5:13-16
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? It’s good for nothing except to be thrown away and trampled under people’s feet. 14 You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.
Good Morning, Let your light shine today and always!
Salt and Light! It is interesting how these get lumped together. These verses follow the opening of the Sermon on the Mount, a.k.a. the Beatitudes. Perhaps Jesus wanted to help the listeners make a connection between all of the blessed are . . . statements and living life. He has just lifted up the poor, the meek, the outcasts, and those who mourn. It would be easy to think that we are called to live mundane lives and fade into the shadows until our time of glory comes.
This is not what Jesus is saying. When we add seasoning to our food, it enlivens the flavor. When we turn on the light, we can see better. As Christians, we are to live our lives fully. Jesus says in John 10, “I came so that they could have life — indeed, so that they could have life to the fullest” In Psalm 16:11, we read, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
When we accept Jesus into our lives, we will be blessed as we follow the light. No more will we walk in darkness without hope. We will lift our heads and allow the Holy Spirit to consume our mess so that we might be filled with peace, love, joy, and hope. Those who walk with Christ will be preserved (like salt preserves our foods) for eternal life.
Walking with Jesus allows our hearts and minds to be opened to the beauty surrounding us. Just as the salt reveals hidden flavor, Christ reveals the power and love of God for those he created. When we share the salt and light, we lift others to gather all into the fold. Salt and light open the door to God’s love.
Blessed God, We thank you for Your blessings. We are called to live our lives fully as we focus on what is good. Thank You! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: I please God when I relate to others with love.
Season the world with God’s love! Pastor Liz
Comments