“Now we know if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands” (2 Corinthians 5:1).
You are a precious treasure to Christ; shining out of the darkness.
In ancient times, I am speaking here of the apostle Paul’s time, things that were treasured or considered to be valuable were often hid in clay jars. The jars themselves were worthless having no real value and were mostly void of any real beauty or distinctiveness. Also, typically things that were stored in these jars of clay were not thought to have much value. They were common vessels often left out in the open for all to see.
Paul likened himself and us, as Christians, to non-distinct, more so simple jars of clay containing this wonderful treasure; the image of God, Jesus Christ. We are to be the reflection of, and true examples of Christ before all men. In (2 Corinthians 4:1) he said; “Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.” He goes on to say that we do by our example; speaking the truth of Christ, subject ourselves to the conscience of every man, but still within the sight of God. We must not get discouraged. Even though Christ whom we speak of is “veiled” in our simple bodies (clay jars) we are only veiled to those whom are perishing. Satan has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. We do not speak of ourselves but of Jesus Christ. God said, “Let light shine out of darkness.” He made light shine in our hearts to give us the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
We are blessed by God to have this treasure, this treasure that is hidden in jars of clay so as not to claim that this power of God is about us but about Him. Outwardly, and inwardly too I suppose, we may feel hard pressed because of our conviction, we may be at times perplexed, and persecuted but we are not abandoned! Our faith is strong because we have Jesus.
Here I am quoting the apostle Paul for this encouragement in your faith, your purpose in Him, and your dealings with perhaps your own physical and mental health. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18) “Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes on not what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
My faithful friend, I see you as more than a clay jar, you are a precious vessel containing the Spirit of Christ. His light now shines through your faith and your voice. God bless you and may this day bring healing to whatever hurts you in Jesus’ name.