Salt and Light

Salt and Light
By John Woodward
June 15, 1998

The Lord Jesus said to His people: "You are the salt of the earth; . . . You are the light of the world. . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. " (Matt 5:13-16).

David Feddes comments on this high calling we have as disciples: "By calling Christians the salt of the earth, Jesus implies that the world on its own is in decay. . . And by calling Christians the light of the world, Jesus implies that the world on its own is in darkness. . . When I understand what Jesus expects of me, it does not make me arrogant. It makes me humble. It lays on me a responsibility so great that I cannot bear it in my own power. What is there in me that can prevent the world's decay? What can I do to enlighten the world? In and of myself, nothing!. . . It's only as I trust Jesus, only as He flavors and enlightens me, that I can become salt and light. ("The Radio Pulpit" vol. 42, #1).

The more we grasp the dignity and responsibility we have as Christ's people, the more we recognize our inadequacy. As Paul exclaimed, "For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things?" (2 Cor 2:15,16).

We can fulfill these responsibilities only by abiding in Christ. Christ is our Savior, Lord, High Priest, and so much more. He is to be our very life. The Lord Jesus desires to encourage us with His sufficiency:

"I AM." Who art Thou , Lord?
I Am-all things to thee;
Sufficient to thine every need;
Thou art complete in Me.

I AM-thy Peace, thy Joy,
Thy Righteousness, thy might;
I Am-thy Victory o'er sin,
Thy Keeper day and night.

I Am -thy Way, thy Life;
I Am-the Word of Truth;
Whate'er thy lack, I Am-to thee
El Shaddai, Enough.

I Am-thy Life within.
Thine Everlasting Bread;
Eat of my flesh, drink of my blood,
I Am-What dost thou need?

"Christ, Who is our Life", by Adah Richmond

Thank You, Father, for supplying us with the resources to live up to our high calling in Christ. We look to You to fill and empower us to be as salt and light in these last days. In Christ's victorious name, amen.

JBW

June 15, '98

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