Clay Pots

You may have heard of the group, Jars of Clay. They took their name from Scripture. Paul wrote, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us" (2 Cor 4:7). Interesting text. The "jars of clay" here refers to ... us. Paul represents us as clay pots. Not worth much on their own. Easily replaceable. Not particularly outstanding. What makes clay pots worth much is not their existence, but their content. People in Paul's day could use jars of clay for urinals or for storing silver. You can imagine which version would be worth more. But it wasn't the pot that was valuable; it was the content.

The important question, then, for us clay pots is what treasure is Paul talking about? In the previous verse he wrote, "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" (2 Cor 4:6). That treasure. Moses begged God, "Please show me Your glory" (Exo 33:18) and God did ... with special provisions to keep him safe from God's glory. Moses's reflected glory was fading (2 Cor 3:13), but the glory we've been given is "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ," a glory that does not fade.

Why would God put that incomparable treasure in clay pots? It's very simple (and not mere conjecture). No one can say, "This pot is great!" No. We have this treasure "to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." That is, we get no credit in this. We have nothing to boast about. On the other hand, no pot is too poor. No pot is worthless. The treasure does not depend on the abilities of the pot. God can use every single one of us in carrying this treasure. And to both embrace our true condition as a "clay pot" and to recognize the treasure God has invested in us is amazing.