20. "Bring me a new bowl," he said, "and put salt in it." So they brought it to him. 21. Then he went out to the spring and threw the salt into it, saying, "This is what the LORD says: 'I have healed this water. Never again will it cause death or make the land unproductive.'" 22. And the water has remained wholesome to this day, according to the word Elisha had spoken.
The sons of the prophets of Jericho turned to Elisha in their need for fresh water. Elisha heard their request and gives them instructions to go and get a new bowl and put in salt. They do so. If God is the one that gives the curse (as he did through Joshua) then only God can give the cure. Elisha is his prophet now at this place in time, and gives instruction to the sons of the prophets who in turn demonstrate obedience and faith. This is a picture of how our sin curse is handled with God.
God provided for us the sacrifice for our sin. He took upon Himself the way of making it right, by the grace of Jesus Christ who died on the cross and rose again to give us forgiveness. When we hear the good news of salvation, we need to respond to it by obedience and faith. We cannot do anything to earn our salvation. It is an act of God. We receive it, accepted it, and trust Him.
Can you picture Jesus coming up to Zacchaeus saying, "Well, it's so good to meet you. I would like to have a few words with you, sir, if I may.
Jesus never said anything like that. He looked up into the Sycamore tree and gave an order, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, I am going to your house today."
Zacchaeus now had to decide if he was to obey or disobey Jesus’ call. To obey means he had to acknowledge that Jesus had authority in his life. After they were eating Zacchaeus believed and obeyed and Jesus said, "Salvation has come to your house."
There may be some symbolic or prophetic meaning of the new pot and the salt of Elisha's request. Some suggest the new pot represents the wineskins that Jesus is talked about in His parable. God makes us new creatures when we are forgiven by His grace. The salt perhaps symbolizes purity and preservation. That is the effect that we are to have on the world. We are to be pure and preserve righteousness for God's Kingdom.
Elisha goes to the source of the problem. He applies the salt to the spring water and the water is cured and purified and preserved. The water, land, and ground become good because the cause of the problem is solved. Elisha spoke, "This is what the LORD says: 'I have healed this water. Never again will it cause death or make the land unproductive.'"
Jesus offered the cure that could transform the heart of man. "He that believeth on me,' He said, 'out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.' (Jn 7:38,39)
It is by grace that the waters were cured and the curse against Jericho was removed. It is by grace the curse of sin in our lives is removed because the requirement of God has been paid. By faith we respond and receive Him.
Prayer: We praise You Lord God for Your Grace that will pardon and cleanse within. Grace that is greater than all my sin,
