2 Corinthians 4
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. – Vs 7 NIV
This is the verse from which this blog derives its name: Vessels of Clay. It is one of my favorite verses because it reminds me of the miracle and mystery of the Gospel message. That "this precious treasure – this light and power that now shine within us – is held in perishable containers, that is, in our weak bodies. So everyone can see that our glorious power is from God and is not our own" (NLT). God has placed the priceless treasure of salvation through the death of His Son in this frail, sometime failure-prone body. Why? So that everyone around me might see that anything I do of any worth is based on His power and not mine. It fits right in with our verse from yesterday: "It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves. Our only power and success come from God" (2 Corinthians 3:5 NLT).
We hold the light of God's truth regarding salvation and sanctification in our earthly bodies. We are common, everyday clay pots – worth little or nothing and having no value in and of themselves. Yet God has chosen to place His own Spirit within us. He has determined to make us the receptacles of His divine power. It reminds me of 2 Timothy 2:20. "In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for his purpose. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work." You see, the value is NOT in the container, but in the contents of that container. It is God's presence and power that give us worth. This is the message Paul conveyed to the believers in Colossae. "For it has pleased God to tell his people that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. For this is the secret: Christ lives in you, and this is your assurance that you will share in his glory" (Colossians 1:27 NLT). His presence sanctifies me, sets me apart. His presence makes me holy – I belong to Him and now exist for His use. I am a "vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work" (2 Timothy 2:21 NASB).
Father, thank You choosing to make me a vessel for honor by filling my life with Your presence through the death, burial, and resurrection of Your Son Jesus Christ. I am amazed that you would use me, and thrilled that You do. I bring nothing to You, but You have given all to me. Amen