2 Corinthians 4:7-16a

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you.
 But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I BELIEVED, THEREFORE I SPOKE,” we also believe, therefore we also speak, knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.Therefore we do not lose heart". 2 Corinthians 4:7-16a

What would you think if you stumbled upon a clay pot (in your wanderings) and when you opened it, it was filled with a hundred and fifty pounds of Gold?...about the weight of one person. That's nearly a million and a half dollars. It would change your life. I'd have to wonder: Why would somebody put all this treasure in a clay pot?

Not very secure...

Yesterday we learned that, by the grace of God, somehow the obscurity of the Bible was lifted...as though a veil was removed from our eyes. Miraculously, we began to read God's Word and it made sense.

Paul says this is like a treasure in an clay pot...

But, it's more secure than we think.  The life of a believer is indestructible even though a lot goes on that makes us vulnerable. We are afflicted but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; This is counterintuitive. A treasure like the presence of God's Spirit within us ought to bring a life of victory and joy...if we could just buy it.

Unless, of course, God has another plan...

Apparently the affliction, despair and persecution are given to us as a reminder of the death of Christ...the price for our redemption. Yet our perseverance is every bit as much a reminder of the eternal life of Christ. Always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body

So, as believers we are very different than our neighbors. We look the same...flesh and bone...but inside we have a priceless treasure that sustains us for all eternity. Here's the question: Have we let anybody take a look inside...at our treasure? Or, are we keeping it hidden for ourselves? It appears God prefers we humbly show it off so others may aspire to the same miracle we experienced.

Live boldly out there today...