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. (2 Corinthians 4:7-11 ESV).

In ancient times there were no banks as we know them, so people would keep their valuables and treasure hidden. In fact, they would often keep it in everyday containers like clay jars, tucked away in a secret place or buried in the ground. The Apostle Paul makes good use of the contrast between the clay and the treasure in our reading today. The cheap, rough, material of a clay jar is totally different from the refined, precious jewels and coins it may contain. And Paul compares the treasure to the precious message of salvation that God calls us to share in Jesus’ name, despite all our earthy weaknesses and sinfulness. It is easy to get discouraged in our own weakness. Even if we are not persecuted or imprisoned for our faith like Paul was, we can understand the feeling of being “hard pressed on every side.” Until the day we are called into eternal glory, we must not lose heart. Till then, let this be our motto: “We also believe and therefore we speak.” Let us not lapse into silence. The same grace that forgave our sin carries us on, through life, so that light may shine out of darkness. How precious are the “wonderful words of life,” the message of forgiveness through God’s love and grace, the news of Jesus’ victory over death, and the promise of our own resurrection! There is no truth as precious as the gospel of Christ! This is the great treasure hidden within us, who are merely clay jars. No matter how hypocritical you may feel as a result of the circumstances of life, deserved or not, we have the very presence of God living within us. Of all the ages in history, this certainly seems like a time to share that message. Think of every encounter as divinely appointed, no matter how trivial it may seem at the time. Do not take for granted these moments to share the wealth of the Gospel you have been made a recipient.