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“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;”   (2 Corinthians 4:7-9, ESV)

There are a lot of metaphors in the Bible – one particularly interesting one is Paul comparing our strength in Christ to “a treasure in a jar of clay.” The focus of the metaphor is the treasure.

Paul’s writing reminds the Corinthian church that their hope is in Christ. He’s also making a distinction between their hope and those who followed Moses. The temple veil was torn into the moment Jesus died on the cross removing the barrier between God and man. Through Jesus, we can talk directly to God and experience the completeness of God’s glory.

Jars were an everyday item in the home of the original audience Paul was writing to. At least three things would have resonated with them by making this statement. Jars of clay were commonplace – rich or poor, everyone would have had jars in their homes. Since they’re made of cheap materials – they’re fragile. These vessels were handmade. The potter who made them would be the one who decided their shape, size, etc. The jar never got to choose its’ features.

The treasure we have within us is the resurrection power of Jesus. The power that allowed Him (and one day us) to overcome the grave. The light in us that can shine through the darkest of seasons that we may experience. By actively living victoriously through Jesus, we demonstrate the light and power which reaches others with the gospel of Christ.

Just like the jars of clay in the Corinthian homes, our jars of clay today (physical bodies) are filled with flaws and imperfections. Yet if we were perfect, people would see the beauty of the jar instead of the treasure.

I know in my own life, I’ve uttered these words more than once – “I’m so broken – there’s no way God could ever use me.”  Yet it’s the seasons of brokenness that caused me to depend completely on Jesus which led me to share my “treasure” more with others.

From the very beginning, we see a picture of a loving potter fashioning his clay. As God formed man from the dust of the ground by breathing life into it. (Genesis 2:7)

You may have experienced many heartaches in life that have left you feeling broken but that doesn’t diminish the treasure within you. In moments of weakness and doubt, we should remind ourselves that God (our potter) formed and fashioned us – He chose us to carry His most precious treasure to the world.

“Father, we thank You for entrusting us with the greatest treasure of all – a treasure that can strengthen us in our weakness.”

For His Glory,

Laura Holmes (www.ephraimministries.org)
TRBC Women’s Life