Today’s readings: Ruth 1:15-22; 2 Corinthians 1:12-22; Matthew 5:13-20
Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, crowds follow Jesus at a distance from place to place. The crowds gather for healing and to be fed. I dare say, many in the crowd faded away after they received what they needed from Jesus, or maybe they faded away feeling that their needs would not be met.
The disciples leave their nets and their families behind, and follow Jesus up the mountain. There, Jesus begins to teach them what it means to follow him.
Jesus tells the disciples they are the salt of the earth. Like salt, they are the ones that will preserve and protect his community from the corruption of the world. Like salt, they are to create thirst — thirst for the Gospel of Jesus Christ through their proclamation of his word. Like salt, the disciples enhance the flavor of the community of followers by how they live “In Christ,” showing all how this has transformed them into something better than they were before.
Somedays, I want to just be in the crowd receiving what I need with no obligation to do anything. Other days, I am ready to be “Salt.” Either way, I am blessed through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Prayer: May I be “Salt” to all I encounter this day and every day, Lord. Amen.
Today’s devotion was written by Ernie Sheldon, Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Statesville, NC.