Jars of Clay

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that this all surpassing power is from God and not from us."' 2 Corinthians 4:7

2 Corinthians 4:7 is hands down my favorite scripture. Maybe it's because it very honestly reminds me of who I am--nobody. Nobody without the Lord Jesus, of course. I have read that in biblical times homes usually had a number of containers of various sizes, colors and materials. Different occasions called for certain containers. However, the regular clay jar was what one usually had the most of.

If you were expecting special guests you might want to use the more expensive containers from which to serve them. If it were just you and the family, the basic jar of clay would do just fine.

A very interesting note that I picked up on here; someone remarked that oftentimes folks would hide their most precious possessions--perhaps some precious stone or a little bag of coins in one of their many clay pots. It would be unlikely for a thief to think to look in one of the numerous jars of clay for a special treasure. Thus, the unassuming jar of clay often become the vessel that held that which was most valuable. It wasn't the jar that was of lasting value. It was what it contained--a treasure!

The spiritual application is obvious, isn't it? We are the jars of clay. The gift of knowing Christ (the Good News) and his Holy Spirit dwelling in us is the treasure. My Dad always says, "Remember who you are and remember whose you are."

Jars of clay. hmmm. Yeah, I like that.