Treasure

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 (NIV)

⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ⁸ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹ For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. ¹² So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.

Devotion:

            Paul, in today’s scripture, is attempting to show the power of God that is at work through his own life. By refusing to take any credit for the fact that he has survived so many trials and tribulations, Paul affirms the power of God that is at work through his life. Clay jars in Paul’s day were worth very little. They were easily cracked and discarded as there was no way to repair or recycle them into anything else. Yet, Paul says there is treasure being kept inside these worthless clay pots.

            That treasure is the power of God himself. God worked His greatest miracle by coming from heaven in the clay jar named Jesus of Nazareth. Here was the very substance of God who formed the universe by His word residing in a humble human body. A body subject to all the horrors and indignities that the human body must go through in life. Even suffering death as a substitute for humanities sake. Jesus’ shows us all God’s great power even in weakness. Jesus, then was the first cracked jar that was ever repaired.

            So, those who follow Jesus might live again also. Paul, here is stating that the miracle working power of God resided in his own life. That life that filled Paul, may be put to work in the lives of all who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Even though our bodies in this life are not worth much. We all will inherit a glorified body at the return of Jesus. Just like the body that Jesus had when He was resurrected and still has as He sits at the right hand of the Father in Heaven.

            Let us then rejoice in our sufferings. Let bring songs of loudest praise to the throne of grace where our Lord Jesus awaits us.

Prayer:

            Lord, hear our songs of worship and adoration. We know that our bodies are weak and frail and subject to all kinds of illness and accidents. We know, however, that you will change us in the twinkling of an eye into vessels of great worth and dignity. For this reason, we will praise you for all eternity. We long for your return. Help us to always pray while we are in these clay jars of a body for your return. Even so Lord, come quickly. Amen.