Rev. Reed Lee Pedersen's
My lovely wife turned me on to a song by Lauren Daigle called, “Salt and Light”. This song calls back to Matthew 5:13-16: Salt and Light These words from Jesus are pointed towards his disciples, but as we read this text we can also insert ourselves into the picture. He tells the believers of Christ they are the true salt of the earth. By calling us salt of the earth he lets us know that we are the representation of graciousness and goodness for the world. By calling us the light of the world he lets us know that we are to be seen. We are supposed to eliminate the darkness of this world by shining the light of graciousness, goodness, and love to the whole world. Do you think the last two paragraphs reflect the Christian church today? Can you say that the people of Christianity are the salt of the earth and the light of the world? I believe I can comfortably say that the people of Christianity do not always live up to Jesus’ words. How do we, the followers of Jesus, become more salty and shine brighter? Lauren Daigle helps us out through her song. Here is her refrain: For You are salt and light Jesus is the saltiness. Jesus is the brightness. If salt has lost its taste then it has lost its whole purpose. Salt, like any seasoning, has a single purpose of bringing more flavor to something. When Jesus tells his followers to not lose their saltiness he is telling them to look to him for direction and strength. If Christians fall away from Jesus and his purpose to bring salvation, graciousness, goodness, and love to the world, then they lose their saltiness. So the seasoning (purpose) we have in this world is to let the flavor of God’s love be known and shared. We are only true representatives of graciousness and goodness when we represent Jesus instead of ourselves. As for light, we find a similar theme. This Sunday we get the Transfiguration text in which Jesus shines bright (Luke 9:28-36) and God’s light makes Moses’ face glow (Exodus 34:29-35). Jesus also calls himself the ‘Light of the world’ (John 8:12). The light we are shining is Jesus. He is the source of our brightness. As we work to share his love to the world instead of hiding that light under a bushel basket, people will be able to see the work of God shining through us. Lauren Daigle finishes the song with these words: Let my eyes see Your kingdom shine all around Representing Jesus and shining the light of Jesus are one in the same. This is done by letting people know about the love of Jesus. It seems to be done even greater when it is shown through action. When we help those in need we represent Jesus. When we support ministries and charities trying to make a difference for the betterment of our world we shine the light of Jesus. By tasting and seeing the love of Jesus, which is done when our lives reflect who God is to others, Jesus promises that witnesses to this salt and light will come to give glory to our Father in heaven.
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AuthorPastor Reed is a first call pastor at Augustana Lutheran Church in Andover, Illinois. Archives
July 2019
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