Larry Siegle · Matt. 5:13-16
Link to sermon video: God’s “Covenant of Salt and Light” – L Siegle
God’s “Covenant of Salt” and Light
(Matt. 5:13-16)
Thesis: God has made a covenant that has an enduring nature that preserves His purpose.
INTRODUCTION
1. The title of the message today is, “God’s ‘Covenant of Salt and Light’
2. What is meaning and the significance of having a “covenant of salt” and “light”?
3. When we begin to understand the genuine importance of BOTH “salt” and “light” as it is pictured in the Scriptures, then we will begin to better appreciate who we are as believers and what we are to do in the Kingdom of God.
THE “MODERN” ATTITUDE TOWARD “SALT” AND SODIUM INTAKE
1. According to the AMA: “While sodium is an essential nutrient, most people consume too much and are not even aware they are doing so. The body needs a small amount of sodium to work properly, but in excess it can increase a
person’s risk for developing high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and stroke.”
2. Going into the Marine Corp at Paris Island SC, (in August), we got up at about 3:30am, had chow, and proceeded outside to begin a day of rigorous activity, exercise, running etc.
a. Before we began, the Drill Instructor came around to each of us and gave us two “salt tablets” in order to prevent us from becoming dehydrated in the hot, summer, heat.
b. A lack of “sodium” would cause “heat cramps, headaches, dizziness, and not enough electrolytes in our system.”
1) There is a system “balance” that is required to present damage to the kidneys and other vital organs.
3. We do understand the value that “salt” has, especially as the winter season approaches and the ice, snow, and conditions of the road require the use of a substance to melt the ice—a combination of “salt” and other chemicals.
4. Sidenote: The word “salary” as a payment, comes from the Latin word salarium meaning “salt allowance” or “money for salt”. Roman soldiers were historically given salt as a form of payment or allowance for their services. Salt was a
vital and valuable commodity in ancient times for preserving food and as a form of currency, which eventually led to the word salarium evolving to mean any regular payment for work, leading to the modern English word “salary”
THE INCLUSION OF “SALT” IN THE OLD COVENANT SACRIFICIAL SYSTEM
1. When we think about the situation in Israel of the Old Covenant, the importance of “salt” and what it represents becomes obvious.
2. The tribe of Levi was given the sacred responsibility of being “priests” and “servants” who took care of those things related to the tabernacle/temple and all of the offerings that were made on behalf of the people (Lev. 18:1-5).
3. Since the tribe of Levi was not given land as was the case with the rest of the tribes, they subsisted from what was given to the Lord in sacrifice (Lev. 18:8ff).
4. These things were to be seen as God’s provision for them and as a “covenant of salt” (Lev. 18:19-24).
5. The sacrifices offered were to be “seasoned with salt, pure and holy” (Exod. 30:34, 35; Lev. 2:13).
6. The Bible tells us the kingdom and rule of David was established by a “covenant of salt” (II Chron. 13:5).
a. What these passages reveal to us is that both the “priesthood” (Levites) and the Kingdom of Israel were established by God’s “covenant of salt” to demonstrate both the value and the steadfastness of how His Divine
purpose would unfold.
b. Joseph Benson, in his OT Commentary states: “A perpetual covenant. The reason of this mode of expression seems to arise from the preserving nature of salt; which, therefore, was made a symbol of friendship and fidelity. It is
most likely, that in all solemn covenants which were confirmed by sacrifice, it was an ancient custom to offer salt with the sacrifice, to denote the faith and perpetuity of the covenant; so that, in this view, a covenant of salt will
signify a covenant confirmed by sacrifice”
JESUS AND THE NT USAGE OF “SALT”
1. In His “sermon on the mount” Jesus draws on the very nature and importance of “salt” (Matt. 5:13-16).
a. This reference to “salt” is found in all three of the synoptic gospel accounts:
1) Matthew provides the most insightful application of the “salt” reference to the disciples.
2) Mark applies the reference to “salt” in the context of judgment (Mark 9:42-50).
3) Luke shows the audience of how the value of “salt” becomes lost (Luke 14:34, 35).
2. Jesus tells His disciples that the nature of “salt” was to become their identity in the kingdom of God.
I THE ESSENCE OF “SALT” AS A PRESERVATIVE
a. In ancient times, salt was vital for preserving food, preventing decay, and ensuring sustenance.
b. Nothing related to the “covenant of salt” would ever decay or fall apart.
c. The bond to preserve what was established by God was mutual on both sides—God’s part and man’s part in being faithful to do what God had commanded.
II. THE ESSENCE OF “SALT” AS A SYMBOL OF LOYALITY AND TRUST
a. “Salt” was also used in flavoring (as it is today), as a symbol of purity and to enhance the flavor of food.
b. Sharing “salt” was a gesture of hospitality and friendship, a sign of mutual respect and of a willingness to commit to the relationship—the value of “salt” meant something.
c. To enter into the “covenant of salt” demanded an unwavering sense of loyalty and trust, the commitment to stand on behalf of one another no matter what the circumstance.
III. THE ESSENCE OF “SALT” IN DURATION
a. The “covenant of salt” represented a perpetual bond.
b. “Salt” unlike many other resources was seen as enduring and lasting.
c. The “covenant” was a promise of a relationship that would always endure, a bond meant to transcend any time of difficulty or hardship.
THE COMPARISON OF THE DISCIPLES TO “LIGHT”
1. In this context, Jesus compares the nature of those who would be His disciples to both “salt” (enduring) and to “light” (reflection) of the very nature of God
2. “Salt” was sometimes a source of irritation (rubbing it on the skin or in a would), but it also had “healing” properties (when we today have a sore throat what does the doctor say to do? (Gargle with “salt”).
a. In fallen world where “lawlessness” runs rampant, the disciples of Jesus are to irritate the fact that they are not living in accordance with God’s purpose.
b. When someone comes to Jesus, the “healing” properties of “salt” take effect.
3. It is the glorious “light” of the gospel that shines on the world to uncover the wickedness (II Cor. 4:1-6; Heb.4:12, 13).
GENUINE BELIEVERS CANNOT HIDE THEIR “NEW NATURE” THAT REFLECTS THE NATURE OF GOD
1. When we are true and genuine, this nature cannot be hidden (Matt. 5:14).
2. Believers cannot become ashamed of the “gospel of Christ” (Rom. 1:16), and try to hide it out of embarrassment.
3. The “light” that shines as a reflection of the nature of God reveals HIS glory and goodness (James 1:16-18).
CONCLUSION
1. Jesus was teaching a lesson that demonstrates the power of living out the gospel through “salt” and “light” to accomplish His purpose—the world that sits in “darkness” all around us, needs it.
2. We are entered into the “covenant of salt” by becoming a “royal priesthood” (I Pet. 2:9, 10), and by serving and honoring God in His “everlasting” kingdom (II Pet. 1:11).
PRAYER
3. The empowerment of what God has given to us should lead us to step out in faith and to face whatever the world tries to bring our way.
4. The first steps, however, are to become both “salt” and “light” through obedience to the gospel.
a. We hear that Christ died for our sins…
b. We believe that Christ is the Son of God who accomplished salvation on our behalf.
c. We repent (change our minds) about all that we have said and done apart from God and return to Him.
d. We confess Christ as Lord
e. We surrender to be baptized “for the remission of sins” and enter “into Christ” as God’s children.
f. We are faithful in honoring and serving God from that moment onward.
Outline (Word document): Gods_Covenant_of_Salt_and.docx