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. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;  persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.  We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. (2 Corinthians 4:7-10)

Back in October, before the winter season began, I became obsessed with jars of clay and metal. My Oasis (patio), as I call it, is my space to meet with God each morning, and I greatly miss it during cold weather. So I decided to focus on finding and gathering as many unique and beautiful jars as possible in preparation for my daily visits in the spring. There are several green plants on the patio, and I wanted to add splashes of color. I had learned from experience that colorful flowers will not survive in the shaded area, so the thought of adding color and texture with jars came to mind. I also liked the symbolism of filling my jars in preparation for whatever God has in store for me.

I had the best time scouring thrift shops and antique stores for these hidden treasures. Each one is so unique, not only in shape, but in color and texture. Every time I found “the one,” I experienced such joy and excitement. It was a season that has given me daily reminders of how God continually searches for each one of us, and when we are found, it brings Him such joy.

Another lesson I learned from these jars was that each one has its own purpose. Some have a larger capacity than others. Some have several cracks or openings that will allow light through. Some are brightly colored, and others are beautifully simple. Doesn’t that sound like us? Everyone is uniquely different and wonderfully made by God with a purpose.

The Bible is clear that the believer’s body is a vessel for the Holy Spirit, and we are instructed to be ‘filled’ with God’s Holy Spirit. That’s what it means when we read that we have this treasure (Holy Spirit) within us (Jars of Clay). Today’s passage also continues that there will be testing, but because God’s Holy Spirit is within us, we will not be crushed, not in despair, not abandoned, or destroyed. Rather, our lives will reflect God’s goodness, mercy, love, and grace. This happens as we continually fill our jars with His Word. And as we trust in Him and live in the power that He has placed within us, we will draw others to Him because they will see the difference that having a relationship with Christ makes in our lives, and they will want the same.