Thursday 29th February
Read Matthew 5:13
“‘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.” (NIVUK)
Commentators and scholars have identified at least eleven different ways to interpret the phrase ‘salt of the earth’. The most familiar interpretations include that of salt as a preservative, slowing the decay of meat and food, thus making it good for longer. Or salt as a seasoning that makes food taste better. Both convey the sense that the presence of those who follow Jesus makes the world a better place. Have you heard either of those before?
Strangely enough, the most likely interpretation is one many may not have heard before but captures both of those meanings indirectly – that of salt as covenant. In both Numbers and Chronicles we hear about the covenant of salt, a reference to the practice of salting the covenant sacrifices so that they truly reflect the longevity of the covenant promises of God. Salt is a marker that these covenants are to last a long time, conveying that God’s promises are everlasting. The covenants with Israel (Numbers) and David (Chronicles) reflect their role in reflecting God’s character and life to the world, forever.
Yet, when they failed, when they stopped being who they were made to be, and lost their ‘saltiness’, as the prophets declared were ‘trampled underfoot by the nations’. Jesus declares those who follow Him, who are living the good life, and are the salt of the earth. He implores them to be what they are, people who reflect the covenant character of God Himself, showing the world what the good life is and where it can be found. In that sense, the world is both preserved and seasoned…
