2 Corinthians 4:7: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.”

May 31st, 2022 by Pastor Ed in devotional

Paul gives us a beautiful but unexpected image of the kind of vessel God has chosen to use to bring His message of redemption to the world. “Earthen vessels” literally refers to baked clay or mud containers. In that day, clay pots were the cheapest containers available and were easily broken. Paul viewed himself as a lowly, common, expendable vessel. However, the greater surprise is that the same treasure that was in him is in us, and it is valuable beyond anything here in this world.

God has taken the most valuable treasure in the universe and put it in common, everyday containers. The vessel is marred, imperfect, and flawed but the messenger’s weakness is not fatal to the gospel. In fact it might be argued that the weakness of the messenger is what allows the treasure to be seen so clearly. God is able to make the gospel treasure shine out through us simple jars of clay. God will get His message to the world in spite of the messenger. He is able to convict sinners and redeem saints by a treasure in lowly jars of mud. He could have commissioned an army of angels to eloquently proclaim the message of salvation but He chose to use His children, whom He has redeemed from sin.

“LORD, thank You for the privilege of representing You to those around us this day. Make Your treasure shine out through these jars of clay so others might find Your love today.”