Scripture
Mark 9:49-50
49 “For everyone will be tested with fire. 50 Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.”
Observation / Application
Much like today, people in Jesus’ time used salt to purify things and to preserve foods. Also, like today, when purifying metals they would use fire to bring out the impurities and preserve silver or gold without impurities.
The process of making something salty was a good thing, it still is. The process of purifying metals was a good thing. it still is. What Jesus was saying in verses 49 and 50 is that; as fiery trials come at us, they will test us and in essence become more pure through the process as we walk with Jesus. And that as we are purified and preserved by ‘salt’ we will be something that bring life and hope in a world that isn’t so ‘salty’.
I need to continually allow the One who can purify us and make us ‘salty’ do His work I may be an example of Christ in this world
Prayer
Jesus, help me to be dependent on you when trials arise. Give me strength to choose you and your strength and not my own understanding. As life hits me, help me to respond in humility and patience because through those tough times you purify and preserve us. Thank you Lord for your grace and wisdom. Amen.