- SALT, LIGHT AND A HILLTOP CITY
Isaiah 58:7-10/Psalm 112:4-9/1 Corinthians 2:1-5/Matthew 5:13-16
1. We are called to be models: In the first reading, the theme of light was captured. In verses 8 and 10 Israel was reminded that social justice will cause her ‘light’ to shine. We must shine, through acts of social justice and fairness. A Christians who perverts justice, takes bribe, and compromises the truth still lives in the dark.
2. We are to drive darkness away: John 8:12 Jesus says “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. In Eccl2:13 scriptures says light is better than darkness. Don’t allow darkness to hide inside you or around you. Darkness allows all that is, diabolic, deadly and devilish. As disciples drive darkness away from your territory.
3. We are to bring others to Christ: The gospel continues saying: Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. This does not mean that you should do things to impress those around you. If you seek to impress man you will be depressed. But I’m all things be a shiny example of God’s goodness and kindness.
4. As salt we are to preserve values: Let us preserve our world from these fallen situation and moral decadence. Let save our children from lesbianism and gay practices, let us beam the ray of light into their hearts. We are called to preserve virtues and not to destroy it.
5.We are called to enhance flavour: Salt makes food pleasant. In the Old Testament nothing was offered to God without been seasoned by salt to make it pleasant. Lev. 2:13 says you must put salt in every cereal offering… in Ezk 43:24 the same use of salt was mentioned. Similarly, the Spirit of God gives flavor to the Christian life. Through the Spirit, Christians are to enhance the flavor of the earth, bring revival and renewal to lukewarm hearts and give hope to the hopeless.
6.We are to be friendly: Salt is also a symbol of friendship in some cultures. As Christians the salt of our faith should make us friendly, learn to cultivate cheerful attitude towards people and friends. Don’t always appear like a lion or an angry dog, cheerfulness is a strategy in evangelization.
7. We are the city built on hill. The church as a whole must be seen as a community which lives out visibly the relationship proclaimed in the beatitude. Isaiah 2:2 says; “Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the LORD’s house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it.” Every disciple is a witness, a hilltop city that should attract many. When we fail to do this, the Bible says we shall be thrown away and trampled upon.
Let us pray
Keep your family safe, O Lord, with unfailing care, that, relying solely on the hope of heavenly grace, they may be defended always by your protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
