TREASURE

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is referred to as 'treasure' ...  

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us.  2 Corinthians 4:7  

The term 'earthen vessel' is a figurative description of one's earthly tabernacle ... the purpose of which is to emphasize its weakness and frailty. The transforming power of the Gospel is placed into 'jars of clay'; i.e. the physical mind and body of true believers. 

Joni Eareckson Tada - God is a Master Artist. And there are aspects of your life and character - good, quality things - He wants others to notice. So without using blatant tricks or obvious gimmicks, God brings the cool, dark contrast of suffering into your life. That contrast, laid up against the golden character of Christ within you, will draw attention … to Him. Light against darkness. Beauty against affliction. Joy against sorrow. A sweet, patient spirit against pain and disappointment - major contrasts that have a way of attracting notice. You are the canvas on which He paints glorious truths, sharing beauty, and inspiring others. So that people might see Him.

The paradoxical combination of 'human weakness' and 'the power of God' is used to impact the world for Christ. 

But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

When we read of the sufferings experienced by Paul, we perceive his abject weakness. But under the surpassing power of God, the Apostle to the Gentiles was used to spread the Gospel to untold millions (both through his life on earth, and now ... by his epistles).  

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

1. Affliction will not defeat us. Though pressed by adversaries and difficulties, we cannot be kept from sharing the Gospel.  

2. Confusion will not discourage us. When we scarcely know what to do, despair cannot overtake us. Though perplexed at times, hope in God remains.

3. Persecution will not deter us. When we take a stand for Christ, everything that comes against our Savior will naturally come against us. By His grace and power ... we stand.

4. Having been struck down, we are not destroyed. When we've been crushed by the enemy, new life and vigor will surface. Our service for the Master is strengthened past that which we once rendered to Him. 

If you are indeed a Christian, this treasure is within you. Even when your fragile clay vessel appears damaged and cracked ... it only allows the light of the Gospel to shine through more freely. 

Be encouraged, pilgrim.