Word@Work 110 - Mark 9:49-50
Published: Thu, 04/24/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 9:49-50 Everyone will be salted with fire. "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other." (NIV)
This is a unique saying in the Gospels, inevitably attracting various interpretations. However, in the context of the whole passage, Jesus is talking about the need to be preserved, eternally. Those who deflect seekers from the Kingdom are as much at risk of eternal loss, as are those who indulge the flesh in unrepentant sin (Mark 9:42-48). Jesus now summarises His teaching. Everybody will be judged, but, Jesus wants his disciples to be preserved through judgement. The salt of truth and godly decisions is intended, not just to preserve us in a good life now (and be a preservative in our society), but to preserve us for the life to come.
The disciples had been arguing about who would be the greatest, and criticising those who were 'unlicensed ministers'. Jesus said that the priority was to be true to the Truth: to be right themselves, and then to act according to the truth with each other. Losing a grip on that truth (or the desire to do it) would be like rain leaching out the soluble minerals from rock salt - you would be left with useless stuff, that could not keep anything preserved.
While it is relatively easy to keep religious habits, it goes against our human nature to preserve truth or even to be preserved for eternity. Discipline is important lest we allow the blessing to slip away from us, in a moment of self-will (like Esau). Discipline cannot replace God's grace to sinners; but it does validate the sincerity of our relationship with the One who has been so gracious to us. Alas Judas Iscariot heard all this but ignored its importance. It would be dreadful if we did the same.
Prayer: Heavenly Father. Thank you for giving me Jesus, and Your word of truth. Help me to preserve truth in myself by seeking Your help in doing it today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
This is a unique saying in the Gospels, inevitably attracting various interpretations. However, in the context of the whole passage, Jesus is talking about the need to be preserved, eternally. Those who deflect seekers from the Kingdom are as much at risk of eternal loss, as are those who indulge the flesh in unrepentant sin (Mark 9:42-48). Jesus now summarises His teaching. Everybody will be judged, but, Jesus wants his disciples to be preserved through judgement. The salt of truth and godly decisions is intended, not just to preserve us in a good life now (and be a preservative in our society), but to preserve us for the life to come.
The disciples had been arguing about who would be the greatest, and criticising those who were 'unlicensed ministers'. Jesus said that the priority was to be true to the Truth: to be right themselves, and then to act according to the truth with each other. Losing a grip on that truth (or the desire to do it) would be like rain leaching out the soluble minerals from rock salt - you would be left with useless stuff, that could not keep anything preserved.
While it is relatively easy to keep religious habits, it goes against our human nature to preserve truth or even to be preserved for eternity. Discipline is important lest we allow the blessing to slip away from us, in a moment of self-will (like Esau). Discipline cannot replace God's grace to sinners; but it does validate the sincerity of our relationship with the One who has been so gracious to us. Alas Judas Iscariot heard all this but ignored its importance. It would be dreadful if we did the same.
Prayer: Heavenly Father. Thank you for giving me Jesus, and Your word of truth. Help me to preserve truth in myself by seeking Your help in doing it today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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