An Old Clay Pot
"We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us"
I’ve
acquired a number of old clay pots over the years. My favorite was
excavated from a site dated during Abraham’s time. It’s at least one
item in our home that is older than I! It’s not much to look at:
stained, cracked, chipped, and in need of a good scrubbing. I keep it to
remind me that I’m just a man made out of mud. Though fragile and weak,
I carry an immeasurably precious treasure—Jesus. “We have this treasure
[Jesus] in jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:7).
Paul continues: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (vv. 8–9). Hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down. These are the pressures the pot must bear. Not crushed, in despair, abandoned, destroyed. These are the effects of the counteracting strength of Jesus in us.
“We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus” (v. 10). This is the attitude that characterized Jesus who died to Himself every day. And this is the attitude that can characterize us—a willingness to die to self-effort, trusting solely in the sufficiency of the One who lives in us.
“So that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal body” (v. 10). This is the outcome: the beauty of Jesus made visible in an old clay pot.
Paul continues: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (vv. 8–9). Hard pressed, perplexed, persecuted, struck down. These are the pressures the pot must bear. Not crushed, in despair, abandoned, destroyed. These are the effects of the counteracting strength of Jesus in us.
“We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus” (v. 10). This is the attitude that characterized Jesus who died to Himself every day. And this is the attitude that can characterize us—a willingness to die to self-effort, trusting solely in the sufficiency of the One who lives in us.
“So that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our mortal body” (v. 10). This is the outcome: the beauty of Jesus made visible in an old clay pot.
Reflect & Pray
How can you meet the demands placed on you? Where does your strength come from?
God, I’m weak and fragile. Thank You for living in me. I want You and Your strength to be seen.
You can only meet the world's demands with Jesus by your side. And even then you aren't working for the world, you are working for HIM! It's the ultimate source of strength.
ReplyDeleteSo often I am that worn out pot, knowing the treasure that is inside me, yet continuously trying to live this life with my rules, with me in control. I love devotionals that remind me of the never ending supply of strength and energy that is mine in Jesus Christ.
ReplyDeleteMy strength always comes from the Lord, but sometimes in times of strife I forget to lean on the Lord, but sometimes it's hard when you are in the middle of it. It's hard to balance the demands of life, it's hard to manage it all, but when I look up and remember where my help comes from, I am reminded of a sweet comfort with my Lord.
ReplyDeleteI love the clay pot analogy for so many reasons. They stay whole, despite the cracks. They undergo fire before they become whole and resilient. Such a great metaphor for our lives in Christ!
ReplyDeleteAs I get older, I feel more chipped and worn. It is great to know that God can use us at all stages of our lives. This old vessel will continue to trust Him.
ReplyDelete