In that context, a lyric like "Stay up with me, don't fall asleep/'Cause we only have this moment once in our lives" assumed unanticipated nuances. Will new life come to someone this year because they saw Jesus in your life? God may permit trials in your life, but it’s all part of the process of Christian growth.Fall Asleep could have been the last song Jars of Clay ever recorded.Īt a listening event in Nashville in July, guitarist Steve Mason told the audience the piano ballad from the group's new album Inland was the final song the group recorded last year before singer Dan Haseltine had a heart attack. The breaking process Paul’s life resulted in new life in Christ for the Corinthians (v12). Struggles and hardships break the clay jars so the treasure inside can be seen! The anxiety of life’s circumstances, resentment from unbelievers, and attacks of Satan may bring our human vessels of clay to their breaking point - but Jesus is revealed in His followers as a result! When we, as Christians, undergo attacks and our jars of clay are broken down, the world can see Jesus shining within the broken vessel! The Divine Life (that can never be destroyed) will be seen and communicated more readily to those who are in desperate need of this treasure. God's purpose is further emphasized in verses 10-11. God permits His clay pots to be battered so that we can experience His supernatural power. Or maybe it was a time when we felt like all hope was lost, but then God stepped in and worked in a truly miraculous way. Maybe it was a time when we sensed His presence in a traumatic situation. Maybe it was when God brought a verse of Scripture to our attention exactly when we needed it. I’m sure we can all point to a time when God stepped into our situation and saved the day. These phrases all refer to the deliverance that God can bring to any situation. Can you identify? Have you ever felt depressed and discouraged, not knowing which way to turn? ("Hard pressed, perplexed.") Have you ever been mocked or threatened when you tried to share your faith? ("Persecuted, struck down.") These terms describe the trials Christians undergo as messengers of the gospel. In these two verses, four sets of descriptors are used to portray the battering of the clay vessel and deliverance by the power of God. He mentions instances in his own life that were extremely difficult, and that his deliverance was through the power of God, not by his own might. Paul, the author of 2 Corinthians, proceeds to show that Christians are not only common clay containers, but they’re battered and bruised vessels (v8-9). The power of the gospel is supernatural, but the preachers and teachers (you and I) are not superheroes. Some people may have the notion that growing Christians should become more like Superman each day. But God has purposely placed this precious message in common, ordinary-looking human "vessels of clay." Human “clay jars” get tired and hungry. The message of the Gospel is precious and valuable, like a treasure of jewels or coins. Fragments of pottery, or potsherds, are prevalent throughout ancient ruins today.Ĭlay jars are an excellent illustration of the contrast between the carrier and the content of the Christian message. (The Dead Sea Scrolls were found in clay jars!) These different pottery vessels were plentiful, but very fragile. But clay jars were also used to hold valuables like money, jewels, or even parchment scrolls. Common lamps were also clay pitchers containing olive oil and a floating wick. They were widely used as containers for food and water. When this Scripture was written, clay vessels were everywhere. God designed it this way, so that no one can mistake the source of the life-changing power of the gospel. The amazing news of Jesus Christ is carried by ordinary, frail, and fragile messengers. The theme of this section of Scripture is the extreme contrast between the message of the gospel (v6) and the messenger of the gospel. This doesn’t seem like an enjoyable path towards Christian growth, does it? On the other hand, these verses can also be disturbing because we don’t like to think of ourselves as ordinary, everyday “clay jars.” Not only that, it sounds like God purposely permits these frail jars to be battered and broken (v8-11). Even though this power is placed in “fragile containers” like you and me, the amazing power of God exists within every Christian! These verses have some important things to teach us about Christian growth - but they may be both encouraging and disturbing! It’s encouraging to know that we don’t have to grow as Christians by our own effort and our own strength.
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