They had gathered on the lush, rolling slopes to hear Him. And He stood there on the hill, looking into the eyes of as many of them as He could.
It was a motley group gathered before him. Some were sick and diseased, others suffered seizures and chronic pain, some were paralyzed and a few were even demon possessed (Matthew 4:24). “You are the salt of the earth,” He told them (Matthew 5:13). Hundreds had gathered there, rushing from all corners of the region to receive His blessing—Jews from Jerusalem and Judea, Gentiles from the Decapolis. “You are the light of the world,” He declared (Matthew 5:14).
Perhaps he was just being nice. Seriously, what effect could a bunch of peasants have on the world? Timid, insignificant peasants. The Teacher had already “blessed” them as being poor, meek, merciful, humble, sad, and downtrodden (Matthew 5:3-11). What kind of influence could such people have on a world that favored power and status? But that’s what He said. They were the salt that preserved and flavored society. They were lights that drew people to God. They would soon turn the world upside down (Acts 17:6).
In our quiet moments of despair, when we feel like nobodies and underachievers—lacking popularity, political power, public profile, thinking we wield no influence on the world and have little to offer God—let’s remember who Jesus proclaimed as the world’s reformers: the little people. Common folk. Farmers. Not the elite or powerful or the brightest in the class. All these little people had was the blessing of Jesus, a holy distinctive they were not to lose (Matthew 5:13), and luminescent deeds of love (Matthew 5:16).
The currency of influence in God’s kingdom is not position, but glory—the glory of God shining through your life, bringing the world to its knees.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 15:1-21
More:
Read Mark 12:41-44, Luke 10:25-37, and John 12:1-8 to see the influence of other “little” people in Jesus’ world.
Next:
How are you prone to think of yourself as less than Jesus sees you? To what degree are you pursuing a holy, distinct life?
pjp on October 30, 2012 at 4:48 am
Tnx a lot Sheridan, very encouraging. May I live for His glory always.
sheridan voysey on November 1, 2012 at 4:39 am
Amen.
Terrence Simon on October 30, 2012 at 6:57 am
Thanx sheridan voysey for nice message
sheridan voysey on November 1, 2012 at 5:00 am
You’re welcome, Terrence.
coachrick on October 30, 2012 at 8:26 am
This so much like Margaret Mead’s quote, “”Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” I also see this quote supporting how powerful the meek can be and how we will, as our Savior told us, inherit the world. God manifests do many wonders and he often uses the most unlikely people to do so. David, of course, comes to mind first.
sheridan voysey on November 1, 2012 at 4:40 am
Love that quote coachrick! It seems to have always been God’s strategy to use ‘unlikely’ people. And that’s good news to me!
mike wittmer on October 30, 2012 at 11:00 am
I love that quote from Margaret Mead. That’s tweetable! This is a very timely word, Sheridan. I need to remind myself of it every day–and your encouraging words did it for me today. Is it okay if I read it again tomorrow?
sheridan voysey on November 1, 2012 at 4:41 am
Certainly is OK, Mike. I’m joining you! I need that reminder most days.
hchead on October 30, 2012 at 11:29 am
Recently, i had a trip down south-west Nigeria and when i return i felt i spoke more than listen. I felt that in the multitude of my words i have not lived christ-like. I did not keep up my Bible reading, my prayers were poor and infrequent. When i read Matt 5v13–“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.” I began to re-consider my value when i lose flavor.
This is really great piece. It’s good and heart harming to know that it is the little “WEs” of the world that are really important to anoint the world.
Sometimes we see ourselves as little ad having nothing to contribute t the society where we belong, but if we could key into his anointing of making us the salt and light of the world, we would really make impact.
I pray the good Lord will help me keep my salt and light values.
sheridan voysey on November 1, 2012 at 4:43 am
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). I think this is key to what you’re talking about hchead.
tom felten on November 1, 2012 at 11:18 am
Great verse, Sheridan. James 4:10 is also helpful and encouraging as we seek to follow God in humility.
winn collier on November 4, 2012 at 8:50 pm
Little is much when God is in it >> your words recalled this old gospel song my childhood church used to sing. Thanks for drawing me back.