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Jars of Clay

Jars of Clay

Words of Faith 9-21-17

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2017

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL

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2 Corinthians 4

   [7] But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

 

       There is nothing more glorious than the message of salvation. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.   There is no light that even comes close! But we have this treasure in jars of clay-- earthen vessels.

       This is a particularly descriptive phrase. If you visit archeological sites today it is common to see shards of clay pottery here and there as you walk along. Earthen or "clay" jars were so common that they were considered "disposable" unlike bronze ones. Such containers were cheap and disposable if they were broken or incurred some ceremonial impurity. This made them an odd container for a rich treasure.

       Some ancients described the body as the soul's earthen container but for Paul, the contrast is not between body and soul but between humanity and God. The light of God is contained in earthen vessels.

       The eternal message of God and His presence is contained in earthen vessels that are made from the dust. While every human vessel is completely unique in value and design, each frail jar is also common and earthly, eventually returning to dust. The message is divine but the bearers of the message are mere mortal persons. The greatest of treasures is contained in common jars of clay.

         Paul was always aware of his deep sense of unworthiness, compared with the grandeur of his message. God intended this sharp contrast so that no one would question the source of the gospel and its all-surpassing power. Salvation is the work of God not men. We must never lose sight of that.

       This can be one of the most difficult lessons of Christian life. We live in a world that values the strength, beauty and youthfulness of flesh. But the most lovely and powerful of human bodies, while marvelous because of God's design, is slowly returning to dust! Until we get our Resurrection bodies, our physical form will spend a lot of time getting more dusty!

         We are mortal in this life. We are frail in this life. We are decaying in this life. As stewards of our bodies, we may work to make them last and be efficient, but the earthly tent we live in will give way to a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by hands. We will get to that in the next chapter.

         Paul's point here was that the strength of the Gospel does not rest in the strength or beauty of these earthly bodies. Later, Paul will recall the words of the, "'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me" (12:9).

       The marvelous wonder of God's plan is that He has chosen to shine His light through broken vessels not perfect ones. He has chosen to reveal His majesty through humble human containers.

         God expresses His message best through cracked pots and broken jars. He works wonderfully, maybe best, putting together shards that have been discarded! He values those that the world does not value. He treasures that which the world throws away. He works through the brokenness of our lives to bring the Gospel of Light and Life.

        Are you a weak vessel? Are you a broken vessel? Are you a discarded vessel? The Lord wants you. He wants to use you. He wants to put you together and shine the Light of His Gospel through you.

 

       Father God, thank You for choosing to use me. Thank You for putting the Light of Your Gospel within a frail earthen vessel like me. Make Your power complete in my weakness. In Jesus' Name.