Jars of Clay

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since we have the same spirit of faith according to what has been written, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we also believe, and so we also speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. (2 Corinthians 4:7-17 ESV). As our steps take us nearer Holy Week and the Passion of the Lord, I am reminded of the words of the old Scottish preacher, George McDonald: The Son of God suffered unto the death, not that we might not suffer, but that our suffering might be like his.

However, as much I’d like to think that being a follower of the Lamb exempts Christians from life’s trials and difficulties, I know that it just isn’t so. But what is so is this, that through his Passion our Savior is able to transform all our suffering into Redemptive Suffering. Our suffering will be made like his. Through Christ all our suffering and heart ache will bring life and blessing to others! In today’s text Paul speaks of such Redemptive Suffering. He says we are “jars of clay” filled with this wonderful treasure. As followers of Christ we are afflicted – perplexed – persecuted – struck down. We are, he says, “always carrying around in the body the death of Jesus.” We feel the sting of Christ’s Passion in our lives all the time. If you’re very much like me, you’re not quite sure how that could be a treasure. It is seen in the resurrection. Just as Christ’s sufferings on Good Friday were transformed into new life on Easter morning, so in Christ all our sufferings are transformed. Jesus went to the Cross, not to make for us a way out, but to make for us a way through. He suffered not to make our way easy, but to make our way great. In ways we cannot yet see, in ways we cannot yet imagine, every tear and every heartache will be redeemed to make visible in us the very life of Christ. That’s truly a treasure!