Humble Clay Pots

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.

 

2 Corinthians 4:7

 

 

The "but" at the beginning of this verse introduces a contrast with the verse before it, which describes the immense and incalculable glory of God revealed in the incarnate Christ. As Christians we are entrusted with the priceless and divine treasure that is contained with in us once we become believers.

 

The treasure in view here is the same as the word "ministry" that we find in 2 Corinthians 4:1. Both terms describe the glorious gospel message that God came into the world in the person of Jesus Christ, and died on the cross and rose again to provide forgiveness of sin and eternal life for all who repent and believe.

 

The treasure is of incalculable worth, because "in [Him] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge… For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form" (Colossians 2:3, 9). The gospel message reveals the most profound truths the world has ever known, which produce the most powerful eternal effects. Through the gospel people are freed from the power of sin and death (See Romans 8:2 and Hebrews 2:14), released from condemnation (See Romans 8:1), transformed into the image of Jesus Christ (See Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18), and given eternal joy, peace, and satisfaction.

 

Yet, amazingly, this priceless gospel treasure is contained in simple earthen vessels—us.

 

By using common clay pots—us—God the glory, "so that, just as it is written, 'Let him who boast, boast in the Lord.'" The prerequisite for spiritual usefulness is to be humble, to see one's self for what one really is, and acknowledge that all the glory for one's accomplishments belongs to God, who placed the treasure in us.

 

The world is filled with people enamored with their own cleverness, importance, and ability to be used by God. But when God chose the men through whom He would give His Word to mankind, He did not choose the learned scholars of Alexandria, the distinguished philosophers of Athens, the eloquent orators of Roman, or the self-righteous religious leaders of Israel. No, He passed them all by in favor of simple Galilean fishermen like Peter, James, John, and Andrew, despised traitors like Matthew the tax collector, or obscure men like Philip, Mark, and Nathaniel.

 

Even the well educated people God chose to use, such as Luke the physician and Paul the rabbinic scholar, they were indeed humble and unimposing people. These are those common, earthen vessels which God entrusted the priceless treasure of the gospel.

 

Are you one who is open and willing to be an earthen vessel that God may entrust the priceless treasure of the gospel in you—a humble clay pot?