The Covenant of Salt
By Adesoji Fasanya
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Covenant is an ancient word used to describe a legally binding agreement that exists between two or more parties. In these ancient systems, this legal contract is supplemented with physical elements such as animals (Genesis 15:7–21, Genesis 21:22–30), and circumcision (Genesis 17:10) among others. These elements are witnesses of the covenant and they also describe the nature of the covenant, such as the longevity, the punishment for defaulters, and the promise.
However, for the sake of this piece, we will focus on another element called “Salt”. The title phrase of this article is found in portions of the Old Testament such as Leviticus 2:13, Numbers 18:19, and 2 Chronicles 13:5. In all of these scriptures, one of those things that are evident is the everlasting nature of the covenant or an enduring covenantal relationship.
Another evident thing as we read the story in 2 Chronicles 13 is the punishment that follows breaking this covenant. It was Abijah, the king and a descendant of David who in his speech to his valiant warriors reiterated the nature of the divine covenant with David and explained that because of Solomon’s neglect of God, the kingdom was torn from his hands. He contrasted Solomon’s rebellion with his allegiance to the God of David. By so doing, he taught that what befell Solomon and his son, Rehoboam wouldn’t be his lot because he upheld the demands of the covenant of salt.
This is quite important as we turn to Jesus’ sermon on the Mount. As He taught them in Matthew 5, He alludes to this same contractual relationship and called His listeners, “salt of the earth”. These first-century Jews that Jesus spoke to undoubtedly understood the usage of the word.
Jesus had first established the blessedness of being persecuted and reviled as Jesus allegiants or loyalists. Then he immediately taught that they are “salts” and “light” in the world. What is Jesus getting at?
- As Salt preserves and applies the promise of the covenant, so are His loyalists to a world and its system even while they are being persecuted.
- As salt applies the punishment of the covenant, so are His loyalists to a world that reviles them. Just as light shines and reveals the works of darkness, their good works will shine, reveal the darkness of the world, and ultimately bring glory to God.
In ancient times, salt is known as a preserver and a form of judgment for any covenant breaker. The idea is that while it preserves life, it allows make barren lands. So, those who enact a covenant of salt understand the preservation and the judgment it alludes to. In like manner, Jesus’ loyalists are both His object of preservation and justice in a world where they are consistently being reviled and persecuted.
3. However if salt loses its flavor, its ability and value are gone. And then it becomes an object of ridicule.
Against this backdrop, I write sincerely to all the Jesus loyalists in the Nigerian space to arise to the functionality of birthing divine preservation and judgment in the face of consistent persecution that has burdened the brotherhood of Christianity. The appropriate response to persecution is to be seasoned with salt (Mark 9:49–50); it is to uphold the covenant of salt; and have peace with one another as fellows-in-chains. For in so doing, you will deliver yourself from the tyranny of the enemy who seeks to leave you childless.
As we read through the story in Acts of Apostles, we are quickly met with the account of persecution faced by the early believers. The apostles were beaten, Stephen was stoned and Saul’s persecution was not going to stop. Yet in dispersion by reason of persecution, they led a more salt filled life, they shined their light brighter, and the believers had peace with one another. Samaria got saved, Simon the Sorcerer faced the judgment of God, the gospel entered Africa through an Ethiopian eunuch and by the time we got to Acts 9:31, we read about the prosperity of the Church.
This must be the approach of the persecuted church. Stand your ground, be bold, courageous and vocal, spread love amongst other believers, declare the judgement of God against falsehood and do good works!
Remain blessed.
