February 6, 2011
Matthew 5:13-16
Jesus said, gYou are the salt of the earth.h Salt is very useful and very beneficial to the earth. Likewise Christians are also supposed to be useful and very beneficial to the earth. Salt makes food taste better. In the same way, we are to make this world a better place. Using the words of the Beatitudes, we are to hunger and thirst for justice, be merciful, pure in heart, work for peace, and witness our faith in times of persecution. In our prayers and work, we work to preserve this world from evil and injustice, to add flavor and culture and joy to the earth.
It does not take much salt to flavor food. Just a sprinkle or two is enough. It is amazing what just a few Christians can do in society. Look at Japan. Only about 1% of the population is Christian, but the Christian influence can be felt in many areas. This started as soon as the missionaries started to preach the Gospel in Japan. In Japan, the church was the first to bring education to everyone, especially in the areas of kindergarten and education for women. And also, social welfare and reform and charity have been pushed by Christians, to the extent that the local governments have learned that it is their responsibility to take care of their citizens. Just one more obvious Christian influence is that Sunday is a day off in Japan.
It does not take much salt. Have you ever got salt in a wound? It may indeed help to cleanse the cut or scrape, but it stings like crazy! Sometimes we Christians are like that. That is part of our work as being salt. There are wounds in our society. When Christians speak their conscience which comes from their faith, it can sting. People say, gDonft preach at me.h People do not want to hear words of condemnation, but it is often necessary for health and growth. Christians should always be good people, but we do not always have to be nice. Salt can bring out the wonderful flavor of food; our well-seasoned words can bring out the best of people. But there is also a time to be the salt that stings and cleanses. But we need to have the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to give our words enough salt to be good, but not too much to damage. Salt can make iron rust, eventually destroying it. We do not want to destroy other people.
Jesus had a lot of salt in his words. He gave people hope and joy, and helped them get fullness out of life, to get the full flavor of Godfs blessings. But he condemned the evil of his day. He rubbed salt in the sinful wounds of his enemies. So they tried to destroy him by crucifying him. But in that very action, he took upon himself our sin. Like salt, he purified us. In his forgiveness and love, we are preserved for eternal life.
Jesus said, gYou 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 by men.h Or maybe it would be like keeping the cap screwed tightly on the salt shaker bottle. It may be white and pretty to look at, but it is not being put to use. It is of no value for the Kingdom of God. Our salt is the Holy Spirit who gives us faith. In this faith we pray and worship and live our lives as Christians. Christ made this world a better place. We continue that work which Jesus gave us. He said that we are the salt of the earth.
Amen.
Michael Nearhood, Pastor
Okinawa Lutheran Church
Kids Sermon Idea.@
You are the salt of the earth.
But in Mexico, you are the hot pepper of the earth.
We are to give the world a good taste, to make the world interesting, and fun.
India, curry@@
Korea, kimuchi@@
Japan, wasabi@@
And to little children, You are the sugar of the earth. So be sweet little kids!