IMPACT AS SALT (6)

“Then he went out to the source of the water, and cast in the SALT there, and said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘I have HEALED this water” – 2 Kings 2:21a

Believers are to convey Healing IMPACT as SALT of the Earth: “And he said, “Bring me a new bowl, and put SALT in it.” So they brought it to him. Then he went out to the source of the water, and cast in the SALT there, and said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘I have HEALED this water, from it there shall be no more death or barrenness”” (2 Kgs 2:20-21). Jericho which also means ‘place of fragrance’ was a part of the land God promised to the children of Israel; a land flowing with milk and honey. However, instead of a sweet, pleasing fragrance of life, the odour of death, loss and displeasure prevailed. The water that should nourish the people and plants was bad.

The elders called on Elisha, who had recently taken over Elijah’s mantle, to pray on the situation, in alignment with James 5: 13-15. Everything about Jericho looked nice, but for the bad water and unproductive land (v.19). Appearances can be deceptive and scratching a little below the surface would reveal that all was not well; the very springs of water that were meant to nourish and bring life to Jericho were polluted. The barrenness bordered on “miscarriage”! It would look like there was going to be fruit, but it would miscarry, turn bad, and dash hopes! It's like having been promised something good, but instead of the good, what manifested is the exact opposite!

Elisha knew exactly what must be done: “Bring me a new bowl and put SALT in it” (v.20a). A strange solution, but pretty impressive results (vv.21-22). This story is picture of humanity. The city represents humanity as a whole. On the outside, things look tranquil and pleasant. Inwardly, below the surface, it’s a whole different story. All is not well with the earth. Instead of God’s Presence within the life of His creation, humans have been born with a nature that is proud, selfish, jealous, covetous, lustful, greedy, self-consumed, and unfruitful. All attempts at producing something worthwhile, fruitful, and enduring end in futility, as it was with Jericho – miscarriages and terrible results.

Elisha’s answers: Salt, a New Vessel, and the Source. Salt, biblically, is often a picture of the indwelling life of God. Salt reverses decay, and was used as a preservative for foods; hence, the Bible often uses salt as a type of God's life within us. God's presence preserves and keeps us from corruption! But the Salt – God’s Life – must be in new clean vessels of the spirit, not flesh (2 Cor.5:17). Also, the problem must be handled from the source (the old nature). Moreover, Believers in Christ are the Salt of the earth (Mt.5:13). God will use us to reverse the threatening degeneration in lives, families, ministries, cities, and nations, bringing Healing and progressive changes on earth.