“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (2 Cor. 4:7 NIV)

Some of you may know of the contemporary Christian music group Jars of Clay. It is one of my favorites, but it is not the reason I chose this title for today’s devotion. I chose this title probably for the same reason that the singing group chose it. If we are truly honest with ourselves, even as Christians, we are clay vessels. We are fragile beings living in a harsh world. The struggles and hardships of this life so often seem like they’re going to break us. Even our own sinful nature attempts to break us from the inside out.

When you think about it for a minute, it is amazing that God can do such amazing things through fragile beings like us. It is “His all-surpassing power” that guides and protects us through the tough terrain. It is His love and grace that redeems and heals our brokenness. He makes our “jars of clay” individual Holy of Holies as He causes His Spirit to dwell in us. Can it get any more amazing than that? I don’t think so!

We should constantly be in awe of the power and glory of God working in us. Paul says in Ephesians, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we can ask or think, according to the power that dwells in us.” Only God is great enough to retain His majesty and glory while dwelling in fragile vessels like us.

One last thought: when the Word became flesh, God showed us how much He loved us. In order to redeem and heal our brokenness, He was willing to become one of us. May God be glorified and praised for what He has done, and can do, with jars of clay like us.

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church