We Have This Treasure
- Ron and Star Nelson
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
2 Corinthians 4:7 (CSB)
"Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us."
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for reminding us today that our greatest possession is not found in what we own but in who lives within us. Thank You for placing the priceless treasure of Your grace, Your Spirit, and Your gospel into our lives. As we pause during this noonday hour, quiet our hearts so that we may recognize the incredible privilege of carrying Christ into a world that desperately needs hope. Open our ears to hear Your voice and our hearts to receive Your truth.
In Jesus' name, Amen
Paul describes believers as "clay jars."
In biblical times, clay jars were inexpensive, ordinary, and easily broken. They were never admired because of their appearance. Their value came from what they contained.
That is Paul's point.
God intentionally places His greatest treasure inside ordinary people.
The treasure is the gospel.
The treasure is His Holy Spirit.
The treasure is the presence of Christ.
The treasure is eternal life.
The treasure is His transforming power.
We spend much of our lives trying to strengthen the jar, improve the jar, or compare our jar to someone else's. But God says, "Stop focusing on the container. Focus on what I've placed inside of you."
Many people feel inadequate.
"I'm not talented enough."
"I'm too old."
"I'm too young."
"I've failed too many times."
"I don't know enough Scripture."
Yet God has never required perfect vessels.
He simply looks for available vessels.
Your weaknesses become opportunities for God's strength.
Your scars become testimonies of His healing.
Your limitations become platforms for His unlimited power.
The treasure isn't your education.
It isn't your personality.
It isn't your résumé.
It isn't your position.
The treasure is Jesus Christ living in you.
That means when you walk into your workplace, your neighborhood, your classroom, your church, or your family gathering, you are carrying something infinitely more valuable than anything money can buy.
Imagine someone carrying an old, weathered wooden treasure chest.
From the outside, it doesn't appear impressive.
The paint is chipped.
The hinges are rusty.
Most people would walk past it without giving it a second glance.
But inside are priceless diamonds, gold, and priceless artifacts.
Its value is not determined by its appearance but by its contents.
Likewise, people may overlook us because we appear ordinary.
But heaven knows what we carry.
We carry hope for the hopeless.
Peace for the anxious.
Grace for the guilty.
The message of salvation for those searching for purpose.
We have this treasure.
Reflection questions:
Am I focusing more on my weaknesses than on God's power?
Have I forgotten the treasure God has entrusted to me?
How can I intentionally share that treasure with someone today?
Today, ask God to help you see yourself not merely as an ordinary vessel, but as someone entrusted with an extraordinary treasure.
Then look for one opportunity to encourage someone, pray with someone, or share the hope of Christ.
Remember:
You may be the only "treasure chest" someone opens today.
The world often celebrates impressive containers.
God celebrates faithful carriers.
You don't have to impress people.
You simply have to faithfully carry the treasure He has entrusted to you.
Because when people encounter Christ in you, they discover the greatest treasure they could ever find.
Father,
Thank You for entrusting us with the treasure of the gospel. Forgive us for the times we have focused more on our weaknesses than on Your power. Help us remember that while we are fragile clay jars, the treasure within us is eternal and priceless. Fill us afresh with Your Holy Spirit and let our lives point others to Jesus. May our words, our actions, and our love reveal the treasure we carry. Use us today to bring hope to the discouraged, light to those walking in darkness, and encouragement to those who are weary. May people leave our presence having encountered not merely us, but Christ in us—the hope of glory.
In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
Recommended worship to accompany your praise:
"Make Room" — Community Music (feat. Elyssa Smith)
"Available" — Travis Greene
"Fill Me Up" — Tasha Cobbs Leonard
"Be Glorified" — Maurette Brown Clark
"Jesus at the Center" — Israel & New Breed
"More Than Anything" — Lamar Campbell & Spirit of Praise
"Worthy" — William McDowell
"No Bondage" — Jubilee Worship (Led by Isabel Davis)
"Jesus at the Center" — Israel & New Breed
"Available" — Travis Greene
Be Glorified" — Maurette Brown Clark
"Gracefully Broken" — Tasha Cobbs Leonard
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