2 Corinthians 4:7 Verse
Commentary
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels - We have(echo) means to have or to possess and the present tense pictures this as their continual possession. What treasure? Answer - "Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." (2Co 4:6+)(aka, the Gospel). Earthen vessels clearly is a figurative description of our bodies, emphasizing our weakness and frailty. In a word the treasure is the creational, transforming power of the Gospel placed into followers of Christ pictured as lowly, even contemptible (as judged by what the world values) "jars of clay"…this paradoxical association of human weakness with divine power, makes it abundantly clear from Whom the power originates and Who is to receive the glory for the display of that power
Let's Pray!
Abba, thank you for loving us so much that you sent your only son so that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. May we never grow desensitized to the power of this treasure inside of us, your power. Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory, because of your steadfast love and faithfulness (Ps 115:1). “so then, as it is written in Scripture, “He who boasts and glories, let him boast and glory in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:31 AMP [Jer 9:24]” May it be so of us, to boast and glory in you alone. Teach us what that looks like in our everyday living. Help us to remember what our treasure is in you and not to be distracted by the things of this world or by fleshly desires or by any enemy arrows. We understand that we cannot serve two masters in our heads, enable us to see when we are trying to do so in our hearts, especially if we don’t even realize it (Mt 6:24). We ask for help so that our hearts would be enraptured by your treasure alone (Mt 6:21). When we feel the weaknesses of our earthen vessels, our human bodies, help us to remember to take our focus off of ourselves and to fix our gaze back to our treasure and ultimately back to you, Jesus, our champion who initiates and perfects our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand at the throne of God. Yes! We have THIS treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing, grandeur and exceeding greatness, splendid, super excellence of the power belongs to God and not to us! Yes! In your name we pray, Jesus, and through the Holy Spirit. Amen!