But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 2 Cor 4:7 (NIV)
In homes around the time Paul wrote this letter, there were many vessels and jars that were used for all kinds of things. The ones they used most often were earthen – basic pots made of clay. They were used everything – washing, storing, carting… they were there in the thick of life. And although they sometimes looked battered and used up, they literally carried life for whole households. Other jars or pots in the house, were stored away looking pretty, but not being used often or for only very specific purposes.
The word “treasure” used here in the Bible is “Thesauros.” It doesn’t mean your silver or gold, it's the place where you keep what is most valuable to you safe. A treasury of sorts.
So instead of interpreting this verse to mean “great God + worthless people = awesome match” maybe it means something more fluid… deeper.
Humans: jars of clay, vessels made of earth… capable of so many things, carrying all kinds of different personalities, talents, experiences, stories… And while we are incredibly valuable, at times we are terribly fragile. The raucous of life can break us in places, showing a life that has lived and endured, not wasting its days tucked away.
And in the midst of our comings and goings, God in all His goodness, doesn’t value us because of how shiny we are, or what we’re “used for”… He values us because of what we are made of… earth and the divine. His children. Within us, He stores what is most precious to Him: your redeemed self. His love for us, our love for him, and love for others. It is safe within you.
It’s this that changes a vessel that has been knocked around by everyday life to shine like a jar that sits on the top shelf. Only it’s more beautiful… broken, yet restored, fragile but strong, once lost and now found… hope-filled. Covered in life and filled with love. He does it this way so that others can know the truth about His power. It doesn’t need a perfect, shiny jar to contain it. His power embraces our real lives, fills them, and works in and through them. And this way, everyone who really looks will see Him work extraordinarily within the ordinary, the normal, the everyday…
Making it all miraculous.
[vcex_image_grid columns=”3″ pagination=”false” thumbnail_link=”custom_link” link_title_tag=”true” custom_links_target=”_blank” overlay_style=”title-category-visible” columns_gap=”5″ img_hover_style=”fade-out” image_ids=”20934,20935,20937″ custom_links=”https://itunes.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1239768002?pt=118656308&ct=blog%20footer&mt=8,https://www.pktfuel.com/dailyemail,https://www.pktfuel.com/support” img_height=”350″]