"The Treasure in Earthen Vessels"

When you buy a nice piece of jewelry, it is often tucked into a setting of black or dark colored velvet. It is designed that way so that your attention is immediately drawn to the beauty of the jewelry. If the packaging were decorated, it could compete with the beauty of the treasure. The verse above reminds us about the ministry of Jesus through us. It is easy to forget that we are the packaging, and He is the treasure in us. We must never get the idea that it is about us. All that we may do should reveal the Lord Jesus and His work in us. Some people seek to bring glory to themselves when they have forgiven someone, or shown mercy, or given generously. The problem is, when we start seeking praise or affirmation for our good deeds or good talents, we compete with the brilliance of the treasure of God that is working through us.

The less obvious we are, the more brilliant He becomes. That is why the verse says we are just jars of clay (earthen vessels), so that God would be the One to be glorified. How much of the beauty of Christ is seen in and through you? What a wonderful Treasure we have in Him! Let us so live that all whom we meet will see not us, but HIM!

November 5th, 2017

From Your Friend & Pastor,

James H. Baker, Proverbs 3: 5-6