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Earthen Vessels

 I am feeling my age.  This body of mine is definitely an unpredictable entity, not letting me take anything for granted.  In one of the Liturgical readings for this week, 2 Corinthians 4, we are made aware of the apostle Paul’s similar experiences.  Interestingly, this is the only book in the New Testament which gives us insight into Paul’s humanness.  It shows us the kind of person whom God used to pass on His revelation. If we did not have this book we would never know Paul himself.  He never pretended to be Superhuman.  All the suffering he experienced hurt him and left scars.  He was discouraged at times.  For those looking from the outside, he must have seemed to be wasting away.  Perhaps some wondered and might have asked him why he was making such sacrifices and not taking better care of himself.  
Instead, Paul is encouraging the Corinthian Christians not to lose heart.  He insists that he isn’t going to give up on his mission to spread the word of God.  He refuses to lose heart and give in to the temptation to live in despair.  He wants the young Christian church to know that his outward appearance is deceiving.  Yes, he is physically wasting away because of this suffering for preaching about Jesus.  Inwardly, though, he is strong and determined and more convinced than ever of his purpose to carry the light of the gospel to the world.

He writes:  

For God, who said “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves.  2 Corinthians 4: 6-7  

What does Paul mean by earthen vessels, something made by hands, from clay that is dug from the earth?  Figuratively, for him these vessels symbolize the commonness and frailness of our bodies.  It is interesting that he uses a metaphor of a fragile, rough and utilitarian item which also serves as a container.  Vessels can receive, be filled and overflow with something.  Likewise, as humans, we may be weak and limited but God created us as vessels to contain Him.  He wants to fill us and shine out of us.  Paradoxically, God uses fragile vessels to carry His powerful truth.  And, because we are frail, we can’t claim to have the strength and ability to do this ourselves, it is God working within and through us.    

Realizing our physical and mental weaknesses, we can claim these promises.

…though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 2 Cor 4:16

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Lamentations 3:22-23

That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being. Ephesians 3:16 

Many people have a concept of an ideal Christian.  But remember that this ideal was created by us, not by God. That kind of ideal Christian does not exist, nor does God want us to be such. Paul has described himself and us as an earthen vessel, but the special characteristic of this earthen vessel is that a treasure has been put into it. The treasure transcends and overshadows its humble container and manifests itself from within. 

This is the meaning of being a Christian. 

Musical meditation

Here are two musical selections that will continue to direct your thoughts on this scripture passage.

A contemporary song:
We are Afflicted 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFSYX0_QWxo

and a traditional song:
Earthen Vessels
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0XieYiJD2Y

  Photo by Earl Wilcox on Unsplash