2 Corinthians 4:7-11 (NIV): “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; per- plexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that His life may be revealed in our mortal body.”
“Jars of clay” is a perfect analogy. At the time Paul wrote this passage, clay pottery, dishes, and cookware were common. Jars of clay were also very brittle. Our minds and bodies are a lot like jars of clay. We are frail. We break. We crack and fall to pieces. Clay pots do not hold up very well under the pressures of extramarital affairs, depression, sick- ness, addiction, or bankruptcy. When the children of God manage to keep our lives intact when they should be scattered across the floor in millions of tiny pieces, we, and others around us, realize that something supernatural is holding us together. What is it? It is the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Christ is a life-giving Spirit, and He uses these bodies of flesh to glorify Himself (1 Corinthians 15:45).
Fear not, Beloved! We may be hard pressed on every side, persecuted, or struck down, but we will never be defeated! In Christ, we are victorious over sin, sickness, and even death (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Be confident in Christ’s strength today!
Theresa
“Jars of clay” is a perfect analogy. At the time Paul wrote this passage, clay pottery, dishes, and cookware were common. Jars of clay were also very brittle. Our minds and bodies are a lot like jars of clay. We are frail. We break. We crack and fall to pieces. Clay pots do not hold up very well under the pressures of extramarital affairs, depression, sick- ness, addiction, or bankruptcy. When the children of God manage to keep our lives intact when they should be scattered across the floor in millions of tiny pieces, we, and others around us, realize that something supernatural is holding us together. What is it? It is the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Christ is a life-giving Spirit, and He uses these bodies of flesh to glorify Himself (1 Corinthians 15:45).
Fear not, Beloved! We may be hard pressed on every side, persecuted, or struck down, but we will never be defeated! In Christ, we are victorious over sin, sickness, and even death (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Be confident in Christ’s strength today!
Theresa
RSS Feed