2 Corinthians 4:7 (INIV) But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

When I buy something that I really want and take it from the store to my home, I may get so anxious that I will tear open the box (if it is giving me trouble to open) to get at what's inside. I do not pay much attention to the box that it comes in. I don't admire it or think that it's special. I just like that it contained the item that I wanted to possess. It's what's inside that counts.

It's the same thing with us and Christ Jesus. As Christians, Jesus is the treasure and we are the box that contains the treasure. There is nothing special about us, except for the fact that we are the container that houses the most awesome treasure on the face of the earth. But to see some people act, you would think that it was the box that was more important than what's inside the box. That's when the gospel message can get twisted and out of whack. It's not the message that is out of whack but the vessel. When the vessel sees itself as important, then the treasure that is inside (or that should be inside) is not seen. Imagine that you purchased a valuable item and when you went to open the box, someone had made the box in such a way that it was impossible to open. All you have is this box that cannot be opened that has what you want inside but there is no way to get to it. It's useless!

In the same way, anyone who doesn't realize that they are to be vessels of honor that contain the treasure of Jesus inside will get in the way of that treasure being seen and enjoyed by others. It's amazing that the God of the universe would allow us to contain such a valuable treasure given the challenges with pride and ego that we have because of our sinful nature. But He knows that once He does His regenerative work in us that He accomplishes by breaking us, then the treasure can shine through all of the broken places in the vessel. Praise God for His wisdom in preparing us to be able to contain the "all-surpassing" power of the treasure that is Jesus! Through our vessels, God's glory can shine on people that don't yet know Him so that they too can one day be added as vessels to carry that incredible treasure to everyone around them.

Pastor Joey Vazquez