God Chooses Earthen Vessels

Posted on November 6, 2018 by America's Keswick in Victory Call

“We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.” (2 Corinthians 4:6-10)

God calls ALL of His children to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8).  But, too often, we think that anyone who sincerely desires to serve the Lord has to possess certain qualities.  However, no one is born into this world is fully qualified to be a useful servant.  Rather, in His own way, God takes that which is inherent in each person and makes that one a valuable instrument.  God selects the experiences that fit into His perfect plan for each life.

History reveals that many of the “most unlikely to succeed” have become ones that God has used in a powerful way.  Verse 7 in 2 Corinthians 4 reminds us that the TREASURE – the Gospel of the glory of Christ – is hidden in EARTHEN VESSELS (clay pots).  Much molding is often needed to prepare them for that priceless privilege of sharing the Gospel of His love.

Among several things mentioned in the Bible that were broken was the alabaster box which Mary of Bethany broke when she poured that costly ointment on Jesus’ head (Matthew 26:7). In order for that treasure inside to be enjoyed by all in the house, the box had to be broken!  The value was not in the box, but in what it contained.  And when the ointment was poured out, the house was filled with its fragrance!

God chooses earthen vessels, easily broken, yes, needfully broken, so that the incomparable treasure of Christ’s life within us may flow out from us to others.  His soul-satisfying sweetness can become theirs.  But the “excellency of the power” is ALL of God, not of us (2 Corinthians 4:5-10).

When we realize how “earthen” we are, verse 10 tells us the only way in which the life of Jesus may be displayed through us: “always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus.”  God asks nothing less than our constant reckoning on the fact that “we have died and our lives are now hidden with Christ in God.”  For as we have died with Christ we also are alive in Him.”  Only in this way can He get all the glory.  (Psalm 115:1, 2)

From Real Victory for Real Life Volume 1

Ruth D. Raws

Ruth D. Raws was the sister of Pastor Bill Raws. She was a missionary to Guatemala before returning to the states to care for their mother.  She went home to be with the Lord in  2006.

The Daily Bible Reading: Mark 13| You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Think About This: “God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume. It is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever.”- Vance Havner

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope. — Acts 2:26