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by Kevin Pauley
Then the men of the city said to Elisha, "Even though our lord can see that the city's location is good, the water is bad and the land unfruitful." He replied, "Bring me a new bowl and put salt in it." After they had brought him one, Elisha went out to the spring of water, threw salt in it, and said, "This is what the LORD says: 'I have healed this water. No longer will death or unfruitfulness result from it.'" Therefore, the water remains healthy to this very day according to the word that Elisha spoke. – 2 Kings 2:19-22 HCSB
Some men of Jericho complained to Elisha that although their city’s location was good, the water was bad and the land was unfruitful. One might wonder what exactly made the location “good”! That’s like calling a lost, one-eyed dog with a busted tail and a chewed-up ear “Lucky.” Unfortunately, this is a common attitude. We choose a sinful lifestyle, suffer the just penalty of our sin[1] and then complain about the unfairness of it all.
Beyond the facts of this passage, there are several great applications one may derive. One of the figurative uses of water in the Scriptures is the representation of life.[2]
Salt is figurative of the righteous works of the Ransomed that bring their Master glory.[3] It was used by Paul as a figure of wise and gracious speech.[4]
Jesus used the image of a new vessel to illustrate the need for transformation upon the receipt of salvation.[5]
Because Elohim granted us a free will, we may choose our own way or path, but we need to be aware that there is before each of us a path that leads to our destruction.[6] Free will is a dangerous gift because it can just as easily lead to bitter hatred as passionate love.
When we are struggling with the location or direction of our chosen lives, we need to return (haphak) to Elohim and seek His help. His gracious Word will remove the poisonous ideas that have infiltrated our minds.[7] When we conform our minds to His, we will begin to see the effects in our spirits immediately, our souls gradually and our bodies eventually. We need to cast a little of God’s salt into the water of our lives in order to achieve true practical holiness. We need to seek to become new, holy vessels, fit for the Master’s use.
Back in the day, salt was considered highly valuable. Refrigeration was unknown and salt was used to both purify and preserve. In fact, Roman soldiers were partially paid in salt! This was called their “salarium” from which we derive the term “salary.”
The Master has called us to be both salt and light. He desires us to be sources of purification, preservation and inspiration. When we fulfill this function, we will achieve true value.
[2] John 4:14; 7:37-39; Revelation 21:6; 22:17
Kevin Pauley is a pastor and writer. He lives in Illinois with his wife, Lynn, their five children and two dogs. His internet address is Berea.
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