Encounters and Reflections aligned to the book of Matthew. Title: Salt and Light. Read Matthew 5 and "Everyone is a star" p.g. 77. Book: Encounters and Reflections - Can you hear me now? by Annette O. Brown.

​Salt and light - Matthew 5
 
“When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.  Then He began to teach them…”  Matthew 5 v 1.
 
Here Jesus sees a crowd and positions Himself, up on a mountain top,  to teach them.  First, the foundational Beatitudes are shared and then He addresses believers as salt and light.   The saltiness in salt should remain in order to be useful. (Matthew 5 v. 13). There is an expectation that believers should not loose what made them who they are in Christ.
 
“You are the light of the world.  A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lamp stand, and it gives light for all who are in the house.” Matthew 5 v 14.
 
Light is a metaphor for understanding or clarity.  Without light how can one see the path in front of us?  In the beginning Jesus’s ministry or movement was called "The Way".  As it was established in the beginning of "The Way" today each individual believer is an important conduit, guiding post or light for others to connect with the Lord. 
 
As lights, in Christ, we are to illuminate and shine as God leads us to.  Can we shine after displaying dark or unGodly behavior?  Thank God for Grace. We should not remain out of God’s will, however, I believe having an authentic light is the call the Lord has for us.  Knowing “the truth” of one's experience is what enables a believer  to share and enlighten others.
 
“What then? Should we sin because we are not under law but under grace?  Absolutely not!  ( Romans 6 v15).
 
Let the light of believers so shine, that men and women, boys and girls will see God and glorify our Father in Heaven.



By A. O. Brown    3/9/20