2 Corinthians 4:7

2 Corinthians 4:7
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

We go through great efforts to hide our valuables, using everything from safes, hidden wall panels and even fake cola cans you can hide in your refrigerator. We arm our houses with alarm systems, fences, locks and guard dogs all to protect our possessions.

But what is the treasure that is mentioned in the scripture above and why is it in a clay jar? While the security options we have today were not available in Biblical times, many of the same principles were implemented. Frequently valuables were hidden in clay jars to throw off potential thieves. But Paul takes a different track here.

The treasure is the Gospel. And in this instance, the human frailty of Paul and other Christians is represented by clay jars. This vital message was carried by normal people, fishermen, tax collectors, and others. These men were not important politicians or military leaders, certainly not what the world would expect. Today, if you wanted to spread an important message, you would seek to enlist the help of a famous person. But in that case, the message would be heard because of the messenger, not the value of the content of the message.

God wants people to believe the truth of Scripture because of Him and not us. So he uses faulty, frail, sinful people like us. The power is His and not ours. So how does it feel to be a jar of clay?

Blessings
Mark

Scripture taken from New International Version (NIV) Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society