Salt

When I think of salt and the bible the “If salt loses it saltiness, how can it be made salty again” verse always comes to mind, but there are other verses that I did not realize were in the bible. I’ll get back to that in a minute.

While driving cross country from Colorado to Oregon we took the route that went right through the Great Salt Flats. Shelby had her permit so I let her drive, for what seemed like 1,000 miles on the straightest highway I’ve ever seen. It was also pure white and except for the occasional salt factory, I couldn’t help thinking about how useless it seemed.

Recently I read a magazine article entitled “10 brilliant uses for salt”. The uses ranged from “keeping car windows frost-free” to “chilling warm canned drinks in a hurry”. What fascinates me though is that I didn’t know you could do all that with salt.

I thought about the ocean and how we cannot drink the water, but how many mammals do just fine there.

The Bible seems to contrast salt as good and bad in Mark 9:50 (NIV) “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” In contrast, Psalm 107:34 says, “and fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who lived there”.

According to Wikipedia: The role of salt in the bible, is relevant to understanding Hebrew society during the Old Testament and New Testament periods. Salt is a necessity of life and was a mineral that was used since ancient times in many cultures as a seasoning, a preservative, a disinfectant, a component of ceremonial offerings, and as a unit of exchange. The Bible contains numerous references to salt. In various contexts, it is used metaphorically to signify permanence, loyalty, durability, fidelity, usefulness, value, and purification. Also it says, Mark 9:50 reads in part: "Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another." The salt in this verse refers to the goodwill that "seasons" positive relationships between people. This is also a play on the covenant of salt, indicating friendship and compassion.

 In conclusion, I realized that every element God made, is for our good and salt is no exception!