OK, we are almost into the top 3 in this definitive list of my favourite bible verses. Of course, there are more and I could have made a top 100 but I think you may have got bored and stopped reading this blog series, maybe you have already….. hello?
04. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. 2 Corinthians 4:7
In this bible passage the apostle Paul is exploring some amazing theology about who God is and how God has set himself in the heart and lives of those who believe and follow him. In doing this, we are, incredibly, able to see something of the glory of God, the same wonder and glory that is seen in Christ.
Incredibly He has chosen to ‘dwell’ on us and in us. The presence and power of God, the glory and light of God in us; we can see it at work and be part of something incredible.
Here is where the verse I have put as my number 4 comes in. This presence of God is a treasure beyond human value, and it’s kept inside a jar of clay or in my case an old mug! That’s me, the mug, and inside is this treasure, incredible light and glory, put there by God when I gave my life to him and was born again and filled by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Still with me? Bit heavy this one.
I remember reading a quote from a Chinese Christian who suffered false imprisonment and who sadly died in prison, Watchman Nee. He said (something like) this. ‘The church doesn’t need more vessels; it needs to see more of the treasure that’s within!’
That made me laugh because he was right, the vessel isn’t what people need to see more of, not more of Nathan and all he can do, it is the treasure within they need to see, that is what will set people free. When our lives allow the glory of God to shine brightly through, I think it is then that we will see people encounter more of Jesus.
Does that mean the vessel is useless and without value? No, not at all, after all God has chosen to dwell there, a place of great value and significance. But, the vessel must be yielded to the treasure within and not the vessel controlling and hiding the treasure!
OK, I need to read all that again, was a wee bit heavy.
