"But we have this treasure in jars of clay
to show that this all-surpassing power
is from God and not from us.
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not in despair;
persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed."
2 Corinthians 4:7-9
Treasure that is found in a jar of clay? I don't know about you, but this goes against everything I learned growing up. Where the idea of the game treasure hunt was to go on a quest to find a glorified treasure BOX. I don't remember ever finding a cracked, fragile jar at the place where X marks the spot.
But, in this verse the vessel that holds the precious treasure of the Lord, is not found in anything more than an ordinary and common piece of pottery. It has chips and a rough surface, and it can easily be broken. It isn't especially pleasing to the eye, yet our eyes yearn for what is held within. So what is so symbolic about the jar of clay?
I am flawed.
I have a few chips here and there.
And I am most definitely fragile.
I was not made to withstand the test of time, but the Lord has chosen me, an ordinary clay pot, to be the keeper of His treasure.
I could not think of a greater blessing than that...
Without Him, I am simply an empty jar of clay. But, filled with the treasure of the Lord, the flaws and cracks of my earthly vessel allow the beauty of God to seep out into the world.
I challenge you to take hold of your imperfections and to start living each day as the valuable jar of clay that you are!
Have a lovely Thursday!
