Photo by Mervat Salman
"For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ.
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 4:6,7
I was feeling discouraged about myself the other day. When I fail to act like Jesus, I feel sad and guilty. I don't think God wants me to feel that way. As soon as I ask him to forgive me, I should believe it and move on. But when I've made a few boo-boos in a row, that's when I get down on myself.
I opened my mail, and this verse was the verse of the day. "We have this treasure in clay jars..." The treasure is salvation through Jesus and we hold this beautiful truth in our hearts - we are the clay jars. Clay jars are not strong; they can be easily broken. They are not bejeweled treasure chests. I went to Bible Hub to study this and found some sermon notes by J.R. Thomson. Here are a few excerpts:
http://biblehub.com/sermons/auth/thomson/spiritual_treasure.htm
"As Eastern kings stored their gold, silver, and jewels in earthen jars, so a plain casket may hold a costly jewel, a miry soil may yield an abundant crop, a battered ship may carry a precious freight, a lamp of clay may give a brilliant light, a mean book as to appearance may contain noble thoughts. So it is no objection against the gospel that those who preach it are in many respects unworthy of an office so dignified."
"To what purpose was this arrangement which the apostle here describes? He himself gives the true reason."
1. That all Christian labourers may feel their littleness and their weakness.
2. That they may recognize the exceeding greatness of the spiritual power of God.
3. That they may give Heaven the glory, alike for what they receive and for what they impart. - T.
The Bible says, "Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way." James3:2 What I need to remember is to take my eyes off myself and look to Jesus. You can't get discouraged when you do that!
