Daily Devotions
Mark
2 Peter 3:4 "And saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation." 2 Peter 3:4"
Day 217 – Mark 6
“And saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:4
SEIZING EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO TEACH DEEP TRUTHS
Jesus was committed to the task of deepening the understanding of His Disciples. He would seize every opportunity to teach the Disciples insights and truths that would otherwise escape them. One such instance may be found in the following text.
“For everyone will be seasoned with fire,
and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt.”
MARK 9:49
1. Reference to “salt”
Jesus drew from His knowledge of the Old Testament sacrificial system when He made this reference to salt.
“And every offering of your grain offering
you shall season with salt;
you shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your God
to be lacking from your grain offering.
With all your offerings you shall offer salt.”
LEVITICUS 2:13
a) The use of salt
Salt was used in a variety of ways. It was used to season food. It was also used to preserve food. And it was known to be used as a cleansing agent. Salt was used most commonly, hence it was an apt emblem for the Covenant.
b) Salt of the covenant
Salt was so vitally used it became an emblem of the covenant. As one would not forget the use of salt, so one must not forget God’s covenant with His people. As salt was important for “every-day life” so was the Covenant of God.
2. Seasoned with fire
Jesus added a deep thought. He spoke of fire as a seasoning agent. It is likely that He was making a reference to the subject of suffering which He had addressed earlier.
a) Salt and Fire were now ranged together
b) Fire was not to be feared
As salt was of emblematic significance in the Old Testament sacrificial system, so fire may be thought of as being the emblem of the New Covenant. Suffering must be accepted as part and parcel of faith in Christ.
The apostle Paul made a most significant statement on the subject of suffering in his letter to the Philippians.
“For to you, it has been granted on behalf of Christ,
not only to believe in Him,
but also to suffer for His sake.”
PHILIPPIANS 1:29