"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:13-16
Just
as the blessings declared by Moses were natural, the curses declared
by Moses were also natural, but it's the preconditions that are of
particular interest here. The precondition cited in Deuteronomy 11:16
is infidelity to Yaweh, specifically by following other gods. This is
the context where the curses would be manifested. These idols would
be the source of evil influence on his people.
With
this in mind, Jesus warns of these new curses by bringing out the
metaphor of salt and light. For salt is easily diluted. But it also
is used to bring out or enhance the flavor of whatever it comes in
contact with. It's a very similar message that Moses declared – if
we allow the influences of this world (ie. idols) to dilute you, we
will be trampled underfoot. Cursed. But if we remain faithful to God
we will stand out from those around us, and we will be blessed. We
will even enhance (change) the flavors of those around us. And
finally, we will overcome the darkness with an outstanding light.
We
must follow the Lord with no regard to how the story pans out, for
that part is always his doing and we can trust that it's always good.
And in doing so, we will radically stand out for the world to behold
and know that Yaweh is so very good in our lives.
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