Rebecca’s Well: Jesus’ Salt and Light People

Dear Readers. Yes, you are Jesus’ Salt and Light in this world. Let the scriptures speak: 

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savoir, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” (King James Version [KJV] Mt 5:13) Note: “his savior,” denoting you, the human.

This is how The Message Bible puts it. “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this Earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste Godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.” (The Message Bible Mt 5:13)

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” (KJV Mt. 5:14)

“Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.” (KJV Mt 5:15)

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in Heaven.” (KJV Mt. 5:16)

This is how The Message Bible interprets the KJV Mt 5:14-16: “You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-Colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a lightstand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light-stand- shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in Heaven.”

P.S. Dr. Eugene H. Peterson is (ret.) Professor of Hebrew and Greek languages. He authored The Message Bible. Copyright 2007, 2012.

The Reverend Dr. Rebecca R. Rivka, LPC, is former School Psychologist, Portsmouth and Norfolk Public Schools; (ret.) Professor of Psychology, Norfolk State University; (ret.) Professional Counselor, Commonwealth of Virginia; former Local Elder, New Saint John AME Church, Virginia Beach, VA; current member, Saint Johnís African Methodist Episcopal Church, Norfolk, VA.  The Reverend John D. Burton, Senior Pastor.  She may be contacted at (757) 321-8858.