Taste and See Week 4 — Savoring the Salt of the Earth

Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor the manure pile; it is thrown out. — Luke 14:34-35 NIV

When salt is overpowered by the presence of other things, it loses its ability to influence. ~ Margaret Feinberg

Can you believe that we’re half-way through the study? We pray that you are experiencing deeper connections between the Bible and the food on your table. This week we’re exploring some of the most notable mentions of salt in the Bible. Let’s dive in!

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Salt. It adds the flavor, and zing, and pow to what we eat, doesn’t it? Imagine your dinner without salt. Blech! Bland. Boring. Even ice cream with a drizzle of caramel and chocolate is made better with a pinch of sea salt. Have you ever tasted salted ice cream? Delish!

A dash of salt makes such a difference… just as we Christians are called to be and do in the world. It’s not about having a flashy or loud personality, or demanding our place in the social media conversation, or bashing people over the head with Christian virtues. That doesn’t taste nice, does it? Salt isn’t supposed to punch you in the face if you know what I mean.

…It was different than any other salt I had ever eaten. It was gentler, not as harsh, and it had almost this sweet finish… ~ Margaret

I think that’s the salt we’re supposed to be. Different. Enjoyable. Gentle. And even sweet. Adding depth and richness, texture and fullness to the world because our hearts are full of Jesus, our minds are full of His Word, and our mouths are full of joy and goodness. What a difference we can make when we’re the “real deal” salt.

The Bible was never referring to a chemically-altered, purified form of sodium chloride that has been fortified with iodine since 1924. Rather, it was sourced and harvested with its surrounding minerals. ~ Margaret

We are, or at least we’re supposed to be the real deal! In our culture, but for our culture. Preserving, protecting, enriching, flavoring, and turning every head we can to Jesus.

Let’s be the preservative and flavor in the world around us. I want to add zing! How about you? What are some practical ways you can bring the flavor of heaven down here to earth?

This Week in Your Study

1. Watch the Session Four Video, “Savoring the Salt of the Earth” – available now!
… and take notes in the study guide, pages 76-81. Remember to watch the video here this week (Feb. 11 – Feb. 17), or on DVD, to stay on schedule. If you’ve missed a week, don’t worry! We’ll have a catch-up week at the end when all the videos are available again!

2. Personal Study + Tasty Experiences
Enjoy your personal study this week on pages 82-95 and the companion reading in chapter 6 of the book. This week’s tasty activity is a salt tasting! Try a new type of salt you’ve never tasted before (on your own or with a group) and share with us on social media with #tasteandseeobs.

3. Let’s Connect
Join us in the private Facebook group, where we’re hosting daily conversations about the study. This week’s Watch Parties are Thursday 2/14 at 12 pm and 8 pm EST (same video, two time options). Yes, we’re meeting even on Valentine’s Day! Come share the love with your fellow group members… and bring your own salted chocolates to enjoy during the chat!

Verse of the Week

Luke 14:34-35

Other Scriptures to Read

Matthew 5:1-13; 13:31-32; 17:14-21; 26:20-25
Luke 11:42; 17:5-6
Leviticus 2:13
Numbers 18:19; 23:19
2 Chronicles 13:5
Song of Songs 4:14

Recipe of the Week

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies (Gluten-free)

Prayer for the Week

Jesus, thank You that You see the hidden beauty in us. You created us to be shining jewels, full of color and life, and adding salty zing in this world. Help us to be the salt that enhances and adds joy, makes a positive difference in the lives of those around us, and has influence. Help us to be gentle and sweet as we speak truth and bring light in the darkness, just like You. We love You, Jesus. Amen.