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.”
In ancient times jars were used as containers to hold things. Potters would take raw clay from the ground and mold and shape it into a vessel and then would bake it to allow it to harden. After the vessels had hardened they would decorate the pot according to what it would be used for. The jars were used for all different purposes, some noble and some ignoble, but one thing was certain, these clay pots were all breakable and most assuredly temporary holding places. What gave the jar it's value was the treasure within, not the vessel itself. Because of their fragile nature they were bound to break at some point in time.
Paul is telling us in his second letter to the Corinthians that we, as Believers in Jesus Christ, are each jars of clay containing a treasure. He is saying that we are mere vessels made of clay, fragile, functional and breakable, nothing out of the ordinary. There is nothing intrinsically special about our earth suits in which we can boast. We are temporary dwellings, but in these dwellings God has entrusted us to house a valuable treasure. Inside these earthen vessels God has placed "“the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6) This treasure that we are privileged to house is the knowledge of our Creator through Jesus Christ.
We are weak, frail, and definitely an unworthy receptacle of this glorious message. Why do you suppose God has chosen to use us as instruments of His gospel message? He chose our simple, earthen vessels in order that the power of the gospel would be recognized as coming from God Himself and not from any abilities we, as humans, may take credit for. God often allows the vessels He uses to be chipped and broken so that the excellency of the treasure contained and the power through which it goes forth is obviously ascribed to Him.
Our "jars of clay" will one day be glorified to live eternally with Jesus but in the mean time, all He desires is that we make ourselves available for His use. May we open up our hearts, extend our hands and quicken our feet to allow Him to spread through us the knowledge of Him where ever He sends us. To God be the glory from which all things on heaven and earth flow . . .
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Personalize this prayer.
Dear Lord,
I stand amazed that You would even desire to use someone the likes of me to dwell within. I am so unworthy. It seems I fail over and over and over again but I'm thankful for your forgiveness, mercy and grace. Thank you for your patience with me. I do long to be used by you and am willing to do as you ask. Show me where you are leading and I will faithfully go. Empower me to love like You love and embolden me with the words that will cause others to be drawn to You. I am weak and tired but I know that through Your power all things are possible. I'm yours. Use me however you desire. All praise and honor are Yours now and forever more.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
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