Luke 14 (6)

Pray Psalm 115.1-3.
Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us,
But to Your name give glory,
Because of Your mercy,
Because of Your truth.
Why should the Gentiles say,
“So where is their God?”
But our God is in heaven;
He does whatever He pleases.

Sing Psalm 115.1-3.
(Plainfield: Nothing but the Blood of Jesus)
Not to us, O God, not us, but unto Your Name give glory!
For Your love and faithfulness, ever to Your Name be glory!
Why should the nations cry, “Where is their God on high?”
You rule us, Lord, on high: Ever to Your Name be glory!

Read Luke 14.1-35; meditate on verse 34, 35.

Preparation
1. What did Jesus say about salt?

2. What is done with salt that loses its flavor?

Meditation
Salt had at least three functions in Jesus’ day, only one of which is mentioned here. Salt added flavor to food, just as today. It brightened dull flavors and enhanced rich ones. Besides serving as a seasoning, salt was used to preserve meat and it also accompanied the sacrifices brought to the temple, as a reminder of God’s covenant (Lev. 2.13).

But in this context Jesus is referring to salt’s use in flavoring foods. That’s what it’s for. Add a bit of salt to an egg or some veggies, and suddenly they’re more than palatable, they’re quite delicious. Jesus said that His followers are the salt of the earth (Matt. 5.13). By the grace of God extended to and through us, we bring “flavor” to the world. Whether in conversations, work, community activities, neighborly relations, or any other facet of life, Jesus intends for us to bring flavor to all our relationships, roles, and responsibilities.

We do this by cultivating the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5.22, 23), the tokens of love (1 Cor. 13.7-11), and the attributes of holiness (1 Jn. 5.1-3) into everything we do. As we work out our salvation through time in Scripture and prayer and by taking every next step of obedience the Lord unfolds before us, we pour a little salt on our dreary world and bring a little brightness into others’ lives.

But if that’s not happening, if we’re not seeking to fulfill our calling as the salt of the earth, then we will be set aside, like old used-up rubbish. It’s possible that a good many people who call themselves Christians, having declined to work out their salvation, have already deposited themselves into that “unfit” category. Though they still go to church and are maybe active in some ways, there’s no flavor to their lives, and no effort given to change.

He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

Treasures Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162
Salt and yeast. Two distinguishing attributes ascribed to well-functioning Christians.

In bread recipes one can read some interesting data about the proximity of the two. Curious, I looked it up and found this information on foodtoimpress.com: “If you’ve forgotten to put salt in your dough, you’ll know how quickly it rises without it. It’ll rise much faster and get considerably bigger than dough with salt, but it’s always very bland. Salt is added to the dough for flavor, but it can do so much more for the texture and rise. A normal amount of salt won’t kill your yeast, it’ll just control its activity. When you add an appropriate amount of salt, it slows and regulates the yeast activity, which leads to a better rise and more even gas bubbles. This helps the gluten stay strong and the texture of the bread is better overall. So salt slows the rate at which dough rises, but not in a bad way. It’s there to help keep a more uniform crumb in the bread as well as making it taste great.”

I know this is not meant to be a cooking class, but let’s pick out the pertinent thoughts from that information and use them to describe the effect a salty Christian will have on their church as they seek to leaven the world for Christ (Lk. 14.34; 13.20, 21).

1. Without them the congregation might swell quickly—lots of people, lots of kids, lots of activities, lots of fun and laughs—but it will be tasteless and pointless. A loaf with no meaning
2. With them a congregation will have texture and rise with controlled activity. Not so much interest in “am I having a good time and are my needs being met” but an outward focus on God’s Word, prayer, and reaching out to others with His love and grace. A nutritious loaf.
3. As an aside, who doesn’t want to be a more even gas bubble and have a more uniform crumb?
4. With them the church tastes great to Jesus and others; and brings nourishment to those around them. A substantial loaf.

Having decided to be salt—creating better loaves of bread—we must concentrate on how that will be done. Hearing Moses’ and Jesus’ words will guide us properly: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God” (Deut. 8.3; Lk. 4.4).

According to the prophet Jeremiah, God’s Word is the loaf of choice: “Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart…” (Jer. 15.16).

“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Ps. 119.11).
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps. 119.105).
“Your word is truth” (Jn. 17.17).
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom…” (Col. 3.16).
“…the word of God…lives and abides forever” (1 Pet. 1.23).

Be salty by kneading yourself into the Word; and then add great bubbles and crumbs to the Kingdom of God!

For reflection
1. What kind of “flavors” should believers offer to the world?

2. Can we be salt in our Personal Mission Field apart from the Word of God? Explain.

3. How can believers help one another to be flavorful salt in their Personal Mission Field?

May we seek to be disciples indeed, and be careful not to grow slack in our profession, or afraid of the cross; that we may be the good salt of the earth, to season those around us with the savor of Christ. Matthew Henry (1662-1714), Commentary on Luke 14.34, 35

Pray Psalm 115.9-18.
Pray for your Personal Mission Field, that sector of the earth which God has given to you. Pray that He will make you savory and flavorful to give others a true taste of Jesus today.

Sing Psalm 115.9-18.
(Plainfield: Nothing but the Blood of Jesus)
All who trust in Jesus yield – ever to His Name be glory! –
find in Him their help and shield – ever to Your Name be glory!
O Israel, trust the Lord!  He helps us evermore!
Fear Him obey His Word: Ever to Your Name be glory!

Blessings from our gracious Lord – ever to Your Name be glory –
will attend us evermore – ever to Your Name be glory!
Bless all who fear You, Lord, all who obey Your Word,
all who Your Name adore: Ever to Your Name be glory!

Grant us, Savior, great increase – ever to Your Name be glory!
Bless us with eternal peace – ever to Your Name be glory!
Heaven and earth are Yours; let every soul adore
and bless You evermore: Ever to Your Name be glory!

T. M. and Susie Moore

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Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. For sources of all quotations, see the weekly PDF of this study. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (Williston: Waxed Tablet Publications, 2006), available by clicking here.