February 24

Jars of Clay

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us." 2 Corinthians 4:7

It was customary in the Paul’s day to hide ones treasures in simple, ugly clay pots. The people felt it was there that their treasure was safe. Paul is using this example to prove a point that we are nothing special to those around us. We are but simple, ugly, pots of clay, nothing to look at, nothing special, except for that which lies within us, the treasure that God has placed within us. What a thought, that God would take a simple clay jar and fill it with His power! What a privilege is ours to hold such a treasure. These vessels have nothing with which to boast except for that which it contains and that is not from us but from God. It is the Father’s plan that every believer be set apart and made useful to the Master. We do this by serving Him in the different ways that He shows us. None of this is done through our own power, but all is done through the power of the Holy Spirit that the glory might rise up to heaven. We are but simple jars of clay, nothing much to look, that God might show forth our absolute insufficiency that His total sufficiency might be revealed. It is only because of Him and the changes that take place in us because of the precious treasure that lies within us that we are made useful to His service. 

Father, thank you, for giving us this treasure, though we are unworthy of it. May your Spirit shine forth from our frail and earthen vessels and bring you glory, honor and praise. Amen