the backdrop of earthen jars

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 

 2 Corinthians 4:7 

    Clay jars are rough and dirty and fragile. Just like us. There are so many things that get in the way of loving God like we should. Our emotions, our pride, our little minds that can’t fully understand this amazing love story. It’s all a part of being a fallen human in this fallen world. We are from the dust and to the dust we will return. Every day our bodies remind us how needy we are. We get hungry and tired and thirsty. On our very best days we are still so weak in and of ourselves. Without Jesus, we are a worthless vessel. (Hos 8:8)

    But God has given us the treasure of Himself. He fills up our rough earthen vessels with riches unexplainable. He pours it into us with super-abounding grace and love. He has shone into our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 4:6) Jesus Christ is our treasure. He is where we find our meaning. In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (2 Cor. 2:3) We were created to hold this treasure. We weren’t made into shallow saucers that only hold a few drops, but into jars. Jars are made to be poured into, to be filled to the top. And that’s just what God does. He pours His love and grace into us so abundantly that it should cause us to sing for joy.        

    Why would God do this? Why would He choose to pour His precious treasure into dirty earthen jars? To show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. (2 Cor. 4:7) The word surpassing means beyond all comparison. God’s power is so rich and beautiful it’s beyond all comparison. His beauty and grace shines brighter against the backdrop of earthen jars. He works through us, broken humans in a fallen world, to bring more praise and honor to Himself. Compared to the future glory in store, our afflictions and weaknesses are nothing in the balances of eternity. These light momentary afflictions are preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. (2 Cor. 4:17)