Why the weakest, most common container is the best one of all
By Dean Collins
Like Paul, “we have this treasure in jars of clay.” It’s a treasure to share and not just to keep!
If God wanted to protect and preserve the treasure, why wouldn’t he have put it in something more durable than a jar of clay? Clay can be shaped into a beautiful container, but the beautiful shape doesn’t change the strength of the container. It’s still fragile and it will still break easily.
It’s really extraordinary. God entrusted us, with all our weaknesses, to carry the good news of Jesus to the world. He knew we had flaws. He knew our bodies eventually wear down. He knew the enemy would attack often. He knew our tendency to focus on self over others. Yet with complete knowledge, he both offered us the gift of transforming salvation and chose us to bring the gift to others.
The miracle made visible
Actually, there is complete genius in God’s plan. By using weak and fragile containers as carriers of the treasure, God made visible the miracle of the treasure itself. When a neighbor or a stranger sees the strength and character of God at work in us, they’re curious to see more. Deep down, every person knows they are not perfect. They know they don’t have all the answers. They wrestle with their mortality and morality each day. So seeing another person filled with joy and strength in the midst of life’s challenges creates space for them to consider that something bigger is at work.
Here is another example of God’s creativity and power. Simultaneously God builds inner strength and godliness in us while our outer self wears out. No amount of exercise will condition us for eternity. But as we go through the difficulties and challenges of daily living, God continues to perfect us for our future lives when Heaven and earth come back together.
The life made manifest
As we offer our fragile selves to God each day, he responds with more grace, more mercy, more love, and more power. This is why Paul can say, “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.”
The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us, according to Paul. This is why and how we not only just hang in there but even thrive during the hardest of days. God has a purpose and a plan to bring his life and love to all through us!
Take a minute and reflect on the people God used so that you could discover Jesus. Is there someone who went through difficult times yet remained faithful? How do you react when you see someone endure cancer, face financial difficulties, or work through relationship challenges yet somehow continue to serve others through prayer or service? Doesn’t their example strengthen you? And when they stay focused on Jesus in hard times, aren’t you strengthened and encouraged to do the same?
The treasure made available
The treasure of Jesus comes complete with his love, his Spirit, and his grace. But this treasure is not something just to enjoy. This treasure is to share with everyone we meet each day. There is purpose in every encounter, because God planned it that way. So don’t hold back from looking someone in the eye today and giving them a smile. Don’t hold back with your words, either. Offer encouragement and hope to the person God places in your view today. And when someone asks you how you are able to endure the challenges they see you battling, tell them how you do it. It’s God’s goodness and faithfulness every time.
We don’t lose heart because we’ve seen and we are experiencing God’s grace. And we know that whatever we endure in our temporary stay on earth brings glory to the one who has given everything for us.
Your time with God’s Word
2 Corinthians 4:1-18 ESV
Photo by Inga Seliverstova from Pexels
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