A Vision for Who You Are

“When a blessing is invoked, it changes the atmosphere.” John O’Donohue

“Eternal life begins now and refers not only to length of life but also the quality of life in which we experience wholeness and union with God.” William Barclay (1)

We are looking at the Sermon on the Mount. In particular, Jesus’ words at the end of the sermon. Jesus says, “ Therefore anyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

What are the words we need to hear and put into practice? How can we become wise builders living on the rock?

Partnership

If you were to look back and consider your life, do you recall reading or hearing something that changed your life? As I read the next part of the Sermon of the Mount, one of those change your life passages that I read came to mind. It still amazes me. It’s the story of God appearing to Moses. (Ex 3) His life changed as a result as well.

It happened through a burning bush.  Here is what is striking to me - God called out to Moses by name from the light of the flame, “Moses, Moses!” And Moses answered him. It is very personal. Then comes the part that changed my life and my understanding of God. In his compassion, God let Moses know that he had seen and heard everything that was happening. He said he knew His people were suffering under Pharaoh’s rule and that He would do something about it. God told Moses that he was coming down to deliver them. Then God said, “So now, go, I am sending you”. God wanted Moses to help Him deliver His people. He wanted Moses to be his partner!

I remember the day I read this. It had never occurred to me that God might want to partner with us. Maybe even me! God invites us to work with Him - to be partners with Him in His work to redeem, restore, and renew. God invites us to a kind of life in communion with Him. It’s a life of unfolding mercy into possibilities beyond belief. It’s a life of wonder, with bushes aflame with the glory of God. God loves us and sees something in us that He values and appreciates and would like to see shine forth to enhance the world. God wants coworkers - partners. (ICor 3:9)

Partnering can be different from serving. A partnership is relational. Moses talked with God. God spoke with Moses. We learn from Moses that he said and did what God told him. But God did not tell him every move to make. He trusted Moses to live in a way that honored their partnership. Moses consulted others. For example, his father-in-law, Jethro, helped him develop his leadership skills.

The other amazing thing about this story is that God saw something in Moses that he did not see in himself. Moses was an old man. He was out doing his work as a shepherd, but they are not even his sheep. He is taking care of his father-in-law’s sheep. He landed where he was because he went on the run after murdering an Egyptian who was mistreating a Hebrew. Isn’t it amazing that Moses would be the one God chose to carry the 10 commandments to his people? Moses is entrusted to care for the message - “Do not Murder” as one who has murdered.

Throughout scripture, there are many examples of people partnering with God to do His work. Many are personally called by name—Abraham, Jacob, Samuel, Saul, Simon, and Mary Magdalene at the tomb. Others take up a call to serve when called upon. Jesus partners with a boy to feed a crowd of 5,000 people, using the loaf of bread and fish the boy provides.

A Vision

After the Beatitudes, in the Sermon on the Mount, we learn that Jesus wants to work with the people gathered in his kingdom. Jesus blesses them and then Jesus gives them a vision, telling them who they are to be. Part of the blessing of God is an invitation to a whole new way of being. “This is who you are,” Jesus says. “This is how I want you to partner with me. You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. (Mt 5: 13-14) Rich Villodas writes, “Jesus calls out the very best in his disciples before they have demonstrated anything.” (2)

What do we know about salt? (3)

Salt cleanses, preserves, and flavors. It is used in some toothpastes and cleaners. Salt is used to treat icy roads and walkways. Simply wading in the ocean's salt water may help heal a small cut on your skin. Saline spray or drops may help your nose or your eyes. In the Roman Empire, soldiers were sometimes paid with salt. This is where the phrase “earning your salt” or “worth your salt” comes from.

Salt is used to enhance or bring out the best of something. Salt can make your food more enjoyable. To be the salt of the earth is to be an enhancer. You have something to add or contribute. To be the salt of the earth is to “draw out the best in others”. (2) To be the salt of the world is to preserve the kingdom of God as God preserved and healed you. Salty people, blessed by God, can make life better. Gem and Alan Fadling write that to be salt is to “bring out the inviting flavor of the good world God has made.” You are blessed to be a blessing. (4)

What do we know about light?

We need light for plants to grow, to see clearly, and for our health to flourish. Light is necessary for life. As light people, we have a certain radiance and transparency. There is nothing to hide when you are living in the light. As Gem and Alan Fadling write, To be the light of the world is to “shine graciously and gently on the good paths to which God is inviting each one.” (4) You are blessed to be a blessing.

There are a couple of important things to keep in mind here. First, recall that Moses had to listen to God and go. Also, if you remember, Moses did not go immediately. He had to work some things out first. He shared his doubts and concerns with God. Moses had to learn how to speak and how to deal with conflict.

A Warning

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives a warning along with a vision for who his followers are to be. Be salty, but remember that salt can lose its saltiness. When that happens, it’s not good for anything. Be light but don’t put your light under a bushel basket. If you do, you’ll lose the light. And don’t keep the light to yourself. Let it shine before others.

What can we learn from the warning? You are the salt of the earth but are not the source of the salt. You can lose your saltiness. Then you have to return to the salt mines - back to the source.

You are the light of the world but are not the source of the light. You have to be lit. The light you have to share is passed on to you. Jesus is the light of the world. He starts the fire in the burning bush and gives you the spark to shine your light.

Moreover, as Rabbi Amy-Jill Levine writes, “The best salt…is almost undetected. It does its work not by calling attention to itself but by brightening, making more alive, everything it penetrates.” We see the same with light. Levine writes:  “ Effective light does not call attention to itself; it lights up the world.” (5)

Reality

One of the main obstacles Moses needed to overcome was himself. After committing murder, Moses had cut himself off from the world, and the aftermath of all that was still on him. When Moses went to God with his questions and doubts, I think he wondered, “God, can you have compassion on me, too?” When we see how patient God is with Moses, we know the answer to Moses’ question is yes!

Moses finds the courage to trust God with his heart, which was the beginning of something great for him. Moses would become one of the most outstanding leaders the world has ever known.

How did he do it? He partnered with God. He listened to God. He talked to God. He placed his trust in God. He was vulnerable with God. He did not always get things right but he stayed with God.

As we look ahead in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges us and helps us see that we, too, are living in the aftermath of our actions. Before we can be effective and faithful partners with God, we will have to deal with this. Partnering with Jesus and learning his ways will involve change - transformation. You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world because you are with Jesus. We will need to go to the source to become who we can be.

“The assumption of Jesus’ program for his people on earth was that they would live their lives as his students and co-laborers.” Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy

If you want to go deeper:

1. Read Matthew 5:13-14

2. Practice - Moses came to God with his questions and doubts. What do you want to talk with God about? Tell him. Then ask God what he wants you to know. Take some time to listen to him.

3. Consider - How would my life be different if I lived in partnership with God?

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1. William Barclay, The Gospel of John, Vol. 2, italics in the original

2. Rich Villodas, The Narrow Path: How the Subversive Way of Jesus Satisfies Our Souls.

3. In the Old Testament we learn that salt was used for sacrifices. It was a reminder of God’s covenant. Leviticus tells us: “Season all your grain offerings with salt to remind you of God’s eternal covenant. Never forget to add salt to your grain offerings.” (Lev 2:13)

4. Gem and Alan Fadling, What Does Your Soul Love? Eight Questions that Reveal God’s Work in You.

5. Amy-Jill Levine, Sermon on the Mount: A Beginner’s Guide to the Kingdom of Heaven