Dinner: Jars of Clay

Jars of Clay
2 Corinthians 4:7-9

But 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; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

I find this passage so comforting. First, I agree with most believers that when Paul described ministers as "jars of clay," he was telling the Corinthians (and us), that God was trusting humans who are easily broken (read more about jars of clay) with the treasure of the gospel.

Second, I have felt a bit more fragile, this week. It seems that a lot of stressors have finally caught up to me. The result? For perhaps the first time in my life (when feeling stressed), I am simply thankful. Thankful that I am hard pressed, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair.

I am sure that all of you feel persecuted, struck down, or at least perplexed. If not now, you have previously, and will again. And, to the families of Adam, Pat, and Brandon, you are surely feeling some of these, right now. It goes without saying that Adam, Pat and Brandon are in the midst of these trials. All of us can take heart in the verses above and the song below.



It's dinner time, and this is when my hunger becomes a more constant nagging. But it is also that nagging, that seems to make my prayers more focussed. During the dinner hour, take time to thank God for spending time with you, today. Ask God to provide Adam, Pat, and Brandon with His joy. Ask Him to provide the three of them, and their families, with faith that would not allow them to be abandoned nor destroyed. Ask Him to take away their despair.

Thank God that even though we are jars of clay, He provides us with strength, and uses us to serve His purposes. Ask God that we would never mistake the origin of the gospel minister's power — the Holy Spirit.

We'll meet one more time, tonight.