P A I N   A N D   I N J U R Y

II Corinthians 4:7

Why do some athletes seem so fragile?  Some seem to constantly be in the training room with pulled muscles, sprains, stingers, bruises, scratches or other maladies.  Often the greatest players seem to be playing through pain and injuries.  We see a similar picture in the Bible.

In Paul's second letter to his friends in Corinth at chapter 4 and verse 7 it says, But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.  It seems there are three ideas needing investigation here.

1) This treasure:  What is the treasure?  In this case it's the Spirit of God.  The very life God gives us is a treasure.  He puts in us the very life that filled Jesus of Nazareth, a life of power, grace and mercy.

2) Earthen vessels:  Like clay pots, we're rather fragile.  We're easily broken; physically, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually and other ways.  More like paper cups than fine china, we're not the most noble vessels for containing the great treasure.

3) The excellence of the power:  With such a weak container for a marvelous treasure, which do you think is seen as greater, the vessel or the treasure?  If the vessel was perfect, the treasure might be overshadowed.  As it is the vessel is hardly even seen as the treasure eclipses it with its brilliance.

God has chosen earthen vessels like you and me to be carriers of His great treasure.  Thank Him in prayer.  Let's be sure to highlight the treasure and not the vessel.  Ask Him to show the excellence of His power through your life.

Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 25:31-46
Romans 9:1-18
Psalms 61
Numbers 33-36