Our scripture this morning is 2 Corinthians 4:7-10.
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.”
Paul explains how a life in Christ demonstrates our endurance against worldly trouble through the blessing we have received. He uses the phrase “treasure in jars of clay” to describe our earthly life. The jars are us, our human form and the treasure is God’s spirit breathed into us from the very beginning.
He goes on to say that the world does not understand or appreciate the gifts of God, wanting selfish things rather than love for Him and each other. There will always be conflict between people of the flesh and the people of God. We should expect opposition from those who do not believe, but it doesn’t change the charge we have to share the Good News.
If we demonstrate our faith through love, “so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies” (v. 10), others will see how Christ cares for us, even through earthly difficulties. God wants us to be connected to Him by our own choice, even when the way is hard. Our weakness as jars of clay shows the world the power of God.
Gracious God, we are thankful for Your mercy, forgiving us when we fall and lifting us back up to service through Christ our Lord. May we go in Your strength to share this blessing with all our brothers and sisters. Amen.