2 Corinthians 4:7 - But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us.
In Your Jar
My father in law, years before he passed away, gave me several jars, cans, and holders of coins he had collected over many years. I graciously took them and put in a safe place. A couple of years ago, while cleaning out closets and attic space, we found them again.
Interested if there might possibly be some value in these old coins, I took a harder look. There were very very old coins, like from the late 1800’s and some from the early 1900’s that were pretty cool. Not much monetary value in them, but man, what a great story they could tell.
I love this illustration that Paul gives regarding the frailty of the life of a believer and the all surpassing power that resides.
Sometimes we forget the power made available to us. We stash or store away that faith behind boxes. We pile on leftover trinkets and toys. We keep pushing back the jars and holders of what Christ gives us, till we forget the value at our fingertips.
The treasure Christ gives through His power is not something that we should hide away nor forget.
This world may see what we hold as invaluable and out of date - a passing remnant of a long ago time. But we need to remind ourselves of what we truly hold.
Treasure in clay vessels that holds power from Almighty God in Christ, and not from us. Treasure to be used, not stored away. Treasure that transforms and empowers. Hope that secures. Father that emboldens.
Peace, Paul