In Jars of Clay

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.”—2 Corinthians 4:7-11

Our bodies are fragile and failing, like jars of clay. Most of us have 70 or 80 years on this earth, maybe a bit more or a bit less, before our jar will fail. One day this body will die, the spirit will leave, and the body will return to the dust from which it came. Until that day, we live on, treasuring each day as a gift, proclaiming the name of Christ. Paul knew the difficulty of ministering in the name of Christ and facing innumerable obstacles in making Christ known. The physical affliction, the emotional, spiritual, and mental anguish, accompanied by tribulations and trials that we can’t fathom, faced him daily. However, he knew that all of the struggles and suffering, pain and problems, just served to make Christ known in His life. Which is why he could say,

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.”

Everything he faced in life served to fulfill one purpose—making Christ known. The treasure he carried about in his failing body was meant to show “that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us”—v. 7. He went through life “always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies”—v. 10. He was continually being given over to death for “Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh”—v. 11.

What is Paul’s point? Our bodies are jars that are breaking down daily. The treasure we have is the “knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ”—v. 6. As we suffer, or our bodies break down, Christ’s power is seen in us as we respond with grace and humility, submitting our circumstances to God for His sovereign use. It is by suffering, by enduring opposition and persecution, that we show Christ’s glory—that is our chief treasure, our supreme desire, and it is worth more to us than any physical, mental, or emotional strain. Christ is more valuable to us than anything else. Our sufferings are not accidental, but providential—a gift from God so that Christ might be seen in you, and others might want Christ because of His presence being exhibited in your life as you persevere through your tribulation, demonstrating that peace that is beyond human understanding.

If you are suffering right now, can Christ be seen in and through it? Is your trial or tribulation a means of revealing your true heart’s treasure? Redeem your suffering for the glory of God! Use it to let other people see Christ in you! Amen.