DATE WRITTEN: Tuesday, 2021-01-12
WRITTEN AT: Paul B Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, MS

BIBLE REFERENCE: Matthew 5:13-14, 19
TRANSLATION: The Voice (VOICE)

BIBLE TEXT: ¹³ You, beloved, are the salt of the earth…..
 ¹⁴ And you, beloved, are the light of the world……
 ¹⁹ Anyone who breaks even the smallest, most obscure commandment—not to mention teaches others to do the same—will be called small and obscure in the kingdom of heaven. Those who practice the law and teach others how to live the law will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

OBSERVATION: We are looking at three different commands that Jesus issued to His disciples while enjoying some teaching moments on the mountain. Since there is such great truth in these lessons, I thought we might benefit from these today as we meditate on what God might have us do in 2021. Especially after being told that if we practice (obey) these commands and teach them to others, we will be highly considered by the Master in heaven.

APPLICATION: As we learn from our Master and share our experience and our knowledge with others, I believe that we too can be classified a ‘disciple’ of Jesus Christ. So I believe that these commandments taught by Jesus are very applicable to us still today. Here are three very important commands that I believe will help us make a difference in our world, and in our circle of influence:
1. You are the Salt of the earth – Salt was very well known to the original disciples, and it is still well known and commonly used today. It makes a huge difference in the flavor of our foods. Tasting food that was not seasoned in salt, is tasteless to those who use it on a regular basis. Jesus used this as a parable to help us realize that lives not infused with the power, love and image of Jesus Christ is bland, and has very little impact on the rest of the world, because they see no difference in our behavior. However, although many will not claim knowledge or acceptance of Jesus Christ, yet they are quick to recognize a Christian in their midst, as they see a difference in their mannerisms and their life choices, plus they know that they have a connection with the King of the universe. I believe Jesus wants us to stand for what He has taught us and be different, if we need to be, just as salt makes a difference in our food;
2. You are the light of the world – I found this one very interesting, because in John 8:12 and in John 9:5, Jesus said that He is the Light of the world as long as He is here in the world. The Bible says that we are to be like Jesus to the world, so I’m sure that by us also being commanded to be the light of the world, we would be following very closely in His footsteps. Jesus likened this to being a light on the top of a hill. Don’t you see that this means that the whole world could see the light that shines high on a hilltop? Don’t you know that in a room of people, the child of God must be an example, or a bright light for the rest of the world to see, respect and follow after? I believe this means that when the world is not sure where to turn next, or what they should do in certain circumstances, they should be able to ask those discipled by Christ which way to turn, knowing that the Bible and It’s Master is guiding us through each and every decision every day;
3. Practice God’s Commands and Teach them to others – This is clearly not a case of ‘doing as I say, not as I do’! For we are told that we should be obedient and living out the commands of Jesus. In other words, whether we say something about a situation, or if we just act in obedience to what God is leading us to say or do, He will be glorified and He will follow through with His promise to make us ‘great’ in His kingdom. There is nothing better than that dear friends!
So let me encourage you today to make a difference in the world around you. As Jesus lives inside of you through the Holy Spirit, be bold in declaring whose you are. Live like Him and allow Him to live through you to save a world that is otherwise dying and going to Hell.

PRAYER: Living here on earth is challenging in many ways, but when we are obedient to our Master and Lord, we can rest assured that He will only lead us towards loving, encouraging and challenging others to know Him as Savior. Thank You Lord for giving us our marching orders in today’s Scripture. May we be sincere and obedient to Your commands in everything we do and say, so that others will see proof of the Master right here on earth. Oh that Your kingdom may come soon, so that we may freely glorify You in all Your majesty at the right hand of the Father, where we will remain for all eternity. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There are two more pages on my blog at https://NuggetsFromGodsWord.org that will provide you with additional information, one of them being ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to the above page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. If this devotional was forwarded to you and you would like to see more, please go to Nuggets From God’s Word and see all of my posts, or you may freely subscribe for a daily email conveniently containing each day’s devotional. I would encourage you to find a church home near by your home, and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God, and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!