Treasure in clay jars?
by Sue Smith
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us (2 Corinthians 4:7).
Read 2 Corinthians 4:3–12
Would you keep your treasure in clay jars? Can you imagine your most precious and important items being kept in a clay jar?
In biblical days, clay jars were important vessels that held liquids necessary for life: water, wine and oil. They would have been in constant use. These pointy-bottom amphora jars can still be seen in the ancient countries of Türkiye and Greece.
At home, I associate clay jars with the terracotta-coloured pots seen in the garden – left outside, grimy, mossy, exposed to the elements and, therefore, a little worse for wear … and, if they get knocked over, they break quite easily, and then usually are of no further use or worth – except possibly as pieces in the bottom of the next garden pot.
God has decided, however, that the precious lifesaving message of Jesus Christ should be conveyed through us. We are the clay jars existing on Earth. And there is no greater contrast – that God be glorified and proclaimed through the weak clay jars we are. Paul wanted to assure the Corinthians that they have an important role to play in spreading the gospel.
So, for myself, I’m no longer going to worry if I get the occasional chip around the edges, so long as Jesus is glorified.
Can we accept this?
Lord God, thank you for using us as we are – simple clay jars. Help us to show your saving love in every interaction with others, so that you shine through. May you always be glorified in all that happens in our everyday lives. Amen.
Sue Smith recently retired from the oil industry and lives with her husband, Peter, in Port Macquarie NSW. She enjoys knitting, the gym and ocean swimming. She serves in her local St Peters congregation and on the LCANZ’s Commission on Social and Bioethical Questions (CSBQ).
- Click here to read previous devotions.
- We are also posting them on LCA Facebook, making it easy for you to share them with family and friends.
- Sign up to receive Daily Devotion in your inbox every morning. If you’re already doing that, please encourage others to sign up. Click here for the link.
