Scripture:
2 Corinthians 4:3-7 ESV
[3] And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. [4] In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. [5] For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. [6] For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. [7] But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.
Observation:
Paul was talking about the Jewish leaders. Explaining that even though it was easy for most of us to see that Jesus was the son of GOD. For some reason, the LORD had veiled their eyes, making it hard to see. That’s not to say that it could not be seen, though. Because it is all through the Old Testament. So let’s look at a veil real quick. A veil covers the eyes of those who wear it not so they can see but so that what they see is dim and hazy, maybe even difficult. Some of the Jewish leaders were just altogether blind to who Jesus was. A lot of that had to do with how they saw HIM. They were expecting a leader who would have a strong military background and be willing to fight. Not willing to die. Verse 5 is the meat of today’s SOAP. The example that Christ gave us is the model for our lives. The Jewish leaders wanted to fight, but HE came to serve. HE took on the form of a bondservant. It’s not what they expected. This is the position that we should take. Man, it’s hard not to dive into the application… but wait, there’s more. Because the SON of GOD was willing to serve and die for us, we have been given a light that shines out of our hearts. That light is the fact that Jesus is our LORD and SAVIOR. the treasure that is held within us. A clay pot. Fragile and easily broken. Verse 7 brings us right back to Verse 5 and, therefore, to my point.
Application:
none of this is about me. My life is a clay pot easily broken. Snuffed out in a second. Jesus is the treasure. Nothing good comes from me. My flesh is weak, and my body is not able to live forever. A clay pot. Let’s put it to you straight. We all come to GOD as a lump of clay. You can’t see anything, just a lump. Then HE starts to form you in your mother’s womb. Putting you together piece by piece. Each part is carefully thought about and inserted for HIS purpose. HE made you with HIS plan in mind, so what is that plan? Ok, I will tell you. That plan is to bring you to an encounter with HIS SON. So that you will have the light in your heart. The light is not to be set under to bucket but on the shelf for all to see. Not so that you can take credit for it but so that HE can gain glory. This whole thing is not about me… none of it at any moment. My life could end, and GOD’S work would continue until it reaches the end of the earth. I am a clay pot that houses the very same spirit that rose Christ from the dead. HE is my treasure… HE is my light… HE is the reason I breathe, and when HE says so, all that will stop, and the work will go on. GOD is a GOD of generations. HE is the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. HE has been doing HIS work for thousands of years. Through clay pots, just like you and I. May we never forget that it’s not about me or us. Jesus is coming back. HE left the Holy Spirit as a deposit. The same spirit rose HIM from the dead. Do you know how valuable that is?
Prayer:
Father, we are so in love with you. Our lives have been bought at a price. We are your bondservant. A willing vessel. Let us never forget what you have done to redeem us. It’s not a price that we pay it’s the price you paid that matters. Help us to know you more. To see where you want us to be and get there. Guide our steps. Forgive us where we fall short. Show us the next move, place in front of us the ones you want us to show your great treasure to… the love that is Christ in us. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen.