The Big Picture

Salt’s value as a preservative made it invaluable in times before refrigeration. Additionally, it enhanced flavour and even served as an antiseptic. Ancient sources like Herodotus and Marco Polo described its impact; a nation’s wealth was often linked to the trade of salt because of its special natural properties.

Yet the Bible adds another layer to this. When Jesus speaks of “salt and light” in Matthew 5, it is in a section framed by reference to the Old Testament (cf 5:12 and 17). Leviticus 2:13 indicated that all sacrifices had added salt! In 2 Chronicles 13:5 Abijah reminds the people that God’s love and provision is permanent, marked by “a covenant of salt”. Salt thus identified the special relationship between God and His people.

Jesus’ followers were salt and light (Matthew 5:13- 14) not because of a natural attractiveness but because they knew God’s mercy and forgiveness, living under the covenant He established and most clearly revealed in Jesus. It makes sense therefore that Christians need to both be holy (salty and luminous) because they carry the name of Jesus, and also active in the world (so that they can provide flavour and shed light).

CRU ® looks to do this by embracing a Biblebased boldness, driving a longing for faithfulness as we seek to share the good news with a new generation. We unapologetically speak of Jesus because we are convinced that salvation is only found in Him (Acts 4:12). As we do so we seek to demonstrate care for the needs of the whole person – mentally, physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually.

I pray that as you read this CRUview you will see this approach illustrated and you will be stirred to thank God. We love because He first loved us (I John 4:9-12,18).