Devotion Challenge

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set up on hill cannot be hid.

It is sobering that Jesus would call us something that he is. Jesus is truly the light of the world before we were (or are). If there’s any light in us, it’s that which cometh forth from that true Light. We bear witness of that Light. “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” (John 1:6-10) [More…]

Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men

Most of us have heard preaching and exhorting from this passage regarding the Christian being the salt of the earth. Usually, the Christian is encouraged to be careful that he does not lose his savour. If the savour is lost, then he is no longer valuable to the advancement of Christ’s church or the service of the will of God. This interpretation of the scripture is packed with truth and agreeable. However, there may be a possibility that the scripture’s context affords a somewhat different interpretation. The context up to this verse is the matter of persecution, the fellowship of Jesus’ suffering, brokenness, and heavenly rewards. Draw your attention to the final phrase of the verse to be trodden under foot of men. If this verse would remain in the context of the preceding three verses, it would be defined as “persecuted for righteousness’ sake… men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake… so persecuted they the prophets.” Therefore to be trodden under foot of men is a metaphoric description of persecution. [More…]

Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Verses 10-12 should never be watered down. This is persecution for righteousness’ sake. This is persecution for Jesus sake. This is persecution like that of the prophets. This cannot be equated with the trials and struggles that are common to all men. Yes, we do have trial and we do have struggles. Yes, we do suffer in this world. Yes, God can be a very present help in our times of trouble. Yes, we glorify God and magnify God in all things he delivers us from. Bless the Lord and praise his holy name, that we don’t have to walk alone on this pilgrim’s journey. It’s wonderful that he walks with us when things aren’t going well. In sickness, in distress, in sadness, in pain, God comforts us and stays close beside us.

All that is glorious, but it has nothing to do with persecution. [More…]