Wednesday November 25, 2020

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-12

Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.

2 Corinthians 4:7

Reflection: We as believers hold within us a great treasure. It is the wonderful Message of the Gospel. Paul likens us to earthen vessels, or clay jars. During the time of Paul’s writing, earthen vessels were common household plates, bowls, jars, cups used for everyday tasks like cooking, serving, and storing items. Earthenware material was not considered precious material. Instead, it was ordinary. Paul uses this illustration to remind us of our role in the Ministry of Jesus Christ.

We are ordinary vessels which carry the extraordinary Message of Jesus. This gives us important perspective when sharing the Gospel. We contain by the knowledge of and faith in Jesus Christ an important and powerful Message to share with the world. While this powerful Message lives within us, it is not of us. It belongs to God and God alone. Still we hold the privilege of carrying within us this great treasure. As carriers of this treasure, we are preserved by God for the sake of sharing it. We have the honor of giving our lives completely to this cause, in order that people receive the Message of the Gospel we share with them. As Paul says of himself, “death works in us” – in others words, suffering continues to unfold in our lives as a result of us doing the work of Christ – “but life in you” – others benefit from our persevering for the Gospel in the midst of suffering. The work that we continue to spread the Gospel leads to new life with Christ for others.

Did you know that you are a vessel of the greatest treasure the world has ever known? You have been chosen by God to share His Gospel with others. Let this truth motivate you and assure you as you work for the cause of Christ.

Prayer: Lord, Your Gospel Truth is extraordinary. Who am I to carry this truth to others? Thank You for the privilege of sharing the News of Salvation through Your Son Jesus. I pray that the words I speak of You would be accurate, ever-truthful, and delivered with grace, for Your Namesake. I pray these things in Jesus’ Holy Name, AMEN.

Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com): 2 Corinthians 4:1-5:10; 2 Kings 17; Micah 6