Salt of the Covenant: Healing Through Faithfulness
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound significance of salt in the context of our faith and its application to our lives as believers. I began by drawing attention to the biblical account of Elisha in 2 Kings 2:19-22, where he healed the waters of Jericho by adding salt. This act was not just about purifying the water but symbolized a return to covenant faithfulness with God. The city of Jericho, despite its pleasantness, was suffering from barrenness due to the bad water, which represented a deeper spiritual malaise.
I emphasized that when we face disruptions and distractions in life, we must hold on to God's promises and remember His actions, such as delivering Israel from Egypt. These acts of God are reminders of His covenant with us, a covenant of blessing and prosperity. I reminded us that God's covenant is not dependent on our faithfulness but on His guarantee, as demonstrated when He walked through the sacrificial animals while Abram slept, signifying that He alone would uphold the covenant.
I also touched on the importance of returning to ancient principles, like the salt of the covenant mentioned in Levitical protocols. Salt was used to preserve and represented purity, obedience, and the eternal nature of God's promises. In the same way, we are called to be the salt of the earth, preserving and bringing flavor to the world. We must not lose our zest for God but instead, bring our seasoning into every area of our lives, whether at work, family reunions, or board meetings.
Furthermore, I addressed the need for a covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ, who sealed a new covenant with His blood, a sacrifice for the sins of many. This covenant is available to all who trust in Him, and through it, we receive the life of God. I invited those who have not yet entered into this relationship to receive Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
Finally, I encouraged the congregation to be agents of change in our city, confronting the spiritual roots of its problems. Just as Elisha added salt to the water to heal the land, we are called to bring the healing presence of God into our communities by returning to covenant faithfulness and obedience.
Key Takeaways:
- The act of Elisha adding salt to the waters of Jericho was a prophetic gesture that pointed to the necessity of covenant faithfulness. As believers, we must recognize that our fruitfulness in life is tied to our adherence to God's covenant. When we align ourselves with His promises and commands, we can expect to see the barren areas of our lives healed and made fruitful. [27:17]
- The covenant God made with Abraham, and by extension with us, is based on His faithfulness, not ours. This should bring us immense comfort and confidence, knowing that God's promises are guaranteed because of His unchanging nature. Our role is to trust and walk in obedience, resting in the assurance that God will fulfill His word. [27:57]
- Salt, in the biblical context, is more than a seasoning; it is a symbol of preservation, purity, and the enduring nature of God's promises. As the 'salt of the earth,' we are called to embody these qualities, living out our faith with integrity and impacting the world around us with the preserving message of the gospel. [47:34]
- Our response to life's challenges should be rooted in the understanding of our identity in Christ. When we face 'bad water' in our lives, we must remember that we carry within us the 'salt' that can bring healing and restoration. Our obedience to God can trigger supernatural change, transforming our circumstances and bearing witness to His power. [50:31]
- The church is not merely a gathering of individuals; it is a transformative force in the world. We are called to be active participants in God's redemptive work, confronting the spiritual roots of societal issues and bringing the healing presence of God into every sphere of influence. By doing so, we fulfill our mandate as ambassadors of Christ, working towards the flourishing of our communities. [37:15]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Kings 2:19-22 (ESV)
2. Genesis 17:1-8 (ESV)
3. Matthew 5:13 (ESV)
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#### Observation Questions
1. What was the condition of the city of Jericho before Elisha added salt to the water? ([10:23])
2. What specific action did Elisha take to heal the waters of Jericho, and what was the result? ([10:23])
3. According to Genesis 17:1-8, what promises did God make to Abram when He established His covenant with him?
4. In Matthew 5:13, what does Jesus mean when He calls His followers "the salt of the earth"?
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did Elisha choose to use salt to heal the waters of Jericho, and what does this symbolize in the context of covenant faithfulness? ([15:46])
2. How does the covenant God made with Abraham in Genesis 17:1-8 relate to the concept of faithfulness and blessing in our lives today? ([20:47])
3. What are the implications of Jesus' statement in Matthew 5:13 for how Christians should live and interact with the world around them?
4. How can the act of adding salt to the water in Jericho be seen as a metaphor for addressing the root causes of problems in our own lives and communities? ([33:51])
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a "bad water" situation in your life. How did you respond, and what could you have done differently to bring healing and restoration? ([52:38])
2. In what ways can you actively embody the qualities of salt—preservation, purity, and the enduring nature of God's promises—in your daily life? ([47:34])
3. How can you ensure that you are holding on to God's promises and covenant faithfulness during times of disruption and distraction? ([19:29])
4. Identify a specific area in your community that is suffering from "barrenness" or unfruitfulness. What practical steps can you take to bring the healing presence of God into that situation? ([37:15])
5. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ in your personal faith journey? ([28:29])
6. Think about a recent challenge you faced. How did your understanding of your identity in Christ influence your response? What could you do to strengthen this understanding for future challenges? ([50:31])
7. What are some ancient principles or practices of faith that you feel you need to return to in order to strengthen your relationship with God and impact your community positively? ([48:16])
Devotional
Day 1: Covenant Faithfulness Unlocks Fruitfulness
The story of Elisha and the waters of Jericho serves as a powerful metaphor for the transformative power of covenant faithfulness. Just as the addition of salt healed the barren land, aligning oneself with God's covenant promises can bring healing and fruitfulness to barren areas of life. This alignment requires a conscious effort to adhere to God's commands and to trust in His promises, despite the distractions and disruptions that life may present. It is in this steadfast obedience and trust that one can expect to see the blessings of God manifest in their life, turning what was once barren into something fruitful and alive. [27:17]
"But if you carefully obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries." - Exodus 23:22 ESV
Reflection: What barren area in your life needs the 'salt' of covenant faithfulness, and how can you begin to apply it today?
Day 2: God's Faithfulness, Our Foundation
The covenant God made with Abraham, which extends to all believers, is a testament to His unwavering faithfulness. Unlike human agreements, which often depend on both parties upholding their end, God's covenant is upheld by His own steadfast character. This divine guarantee provides believers with immense comfort and confidence, as they can rest assured that God's promises will be fulfilled. It is not by human effort that the covenant is maintained, but by God's grace and faithfulness. Believers are called to trust in this truth and walk in obedience, knowing that God's word will never fail. [27:57]
"For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you. - Isaiah 54:10 ESV
Reflection: How does understanding God's faithfulness change the way you approach challenges in your life?
Day 3: Living as the Salt of the Earth
Salt, in the biblical context, is a symbol of preservation, purity, and the enduring nature of God's promises. As believers, called to be the 'salt of the earth,' there is a profound responsibility to embody these qualities in every aspect of life. This means living out faith with integrity, preserving the truth of the gospel, and impacting the world with its life-giving message. The influence of a life lived in such a way extends beyond personal boundaries, bringing flavor and preservation to the surrounding community. It is through this active living out of faith that the world can experience the transformative power of the gospel. [47:34]
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." - Matthew 5:14 ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you be 'salt' in your current environment, bringing preservation and flavor to those around you?
Day 4: Obedience as a Catalyst for Change
When faced with 'bad water' in life, it is essential to remember the transformative potential of obedience to God. Carrying the 'salt' within, believers have the ability to bring healing and restoration to their circumstances. This obedience is not merely a passive act but a proactive stance that can trigger supernatural change. It is a demonstration of faith that bears witness to God's power and opens the door for His intervention. By choosing to obey God's commands, believers can transform their challenges into opportunities for growth and testimony to His greatness. [50:31]
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." - Colossians 3:17 ESV
Reflection: What 'bad water' situation are you facing, and how can you apply the 'salt' of obedience to initiate change?
Day 5: The Church as a Transformative Force
The church is not just a gathering of individuals; it is a collective force called to engage in God's redemptive work within society. Believers are tasked with confronting the spiritual roots of societal issues and bringing the healing presence of God into every sphere of influence. This mandate requires active participation in the world, working towards the flourishing of communities and the spread of the gospel. As ambassadors of Christ, the church has the unique opportunity to be agents of change, embodying the love and power of God in a world that desperately needs it. [37:15]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
Reflection: How can you act as an agent of change in your community, confronting issues with the healing presence of God?
Quotes
1) "The situation did not change until they added salt; it's not going to change, Saints, until you bring back the salt. And Jesus says if salt loses its flavor, it's good for nothing. So if we not willing to be salty, we need to sit down somewhere because all we're good for is to be trampled underfoot." [56:26]
2) "The world needs what some would call insignificant, 'cause guess what, salt don't cost a lot of money... all you got to do is be willing to pour yourself out... Salt is only valuable if it's poured out... when we go on Monday, this is what's happening, the Lord is pouring salt in those places." [57:44]
3) "The solution has to go back to ancient roots... we got to go back to the root cause... there are some wicked altars that are present in the city... there are some idols that must be torn down that reign in the city of Milwaukee. We got to go back to root cause analysis." [37:50]
4) "Our God is Not Afraid of some bad water... all of us come to a place where there's some bad water in our lives... the very problem that you have right now, guess what, God is able to heal, he's able to restore, he's able to turn it around." [53:11]
5) "If Milwaukee's going to change, just add some salt. If your family's going to be delivered, just add some salt. If your family's going to be preserved, just add some salt. If your school is going to change, we need some salt. You are the salt of the earth." [54:27]
6) "When The Godly are in Authority, the people Rejoice, but when the wicked are in power, they groan. Nobody likes a bland meal; people want seasoning. The world wants change, the world wants better, we got to add salt." [58:23]
7) "The Covenant that I just read about, the Covenant that is sealed by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, is the Covenant that I speak of. Through Covenant, we receive the life of God... I want to give persons an opportunity to first and foremost come into Covenant relationship with the Lord God through Jesus Christ." [01:01:42]
8) "Salt was used to arrest any corrupting agent in the meal... it represented God's covenant with Israel... whenever salt was applied, it reminded Israel of several things: to live pure and consistent lives before God, to obey the commands of the Lord, and that God's covenant is eternal." [47:34]
9) "The Covenant is confirmed because my name is on it... when the Lord Jesus Christ shed his blood, the Bible says the curtain in the temple was rent in two, signifying that all people could come... the same Covenant that God made with Abraham is available to those who trust in him." [28:29]
10) "Elisha knew that if we return to Covenant, if we return to faithfulness to God, that life will be turned around, he knew that it would lead to fruitfulness. So he asked for a bowl, a new bowl, because if you want something new in your life, you got to deal with new things." [50:31]
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