God Chooses Earthen Vessels

GOD CHOOSES EARTHEN VESSELS

“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 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) -- Ruth D. Raws was the daughter of Addison Raws and Pastor Bill's sister. She was a missionary nurse in Guatemala and then served for many years at America's KESWICK directing our prayer ministry. She is with the Lord.

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 5; 1 Kings 21-22; Luke 23:26-56

Great Quote: The foundation of the Christian's peace is everlasting; it is what no time, no change can destroy. It will remain when the body dies; it will remain when the mountains depart and the hills shall be removed, and when the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll. The fountain of His comfort shall never be diminished, and the stream shall never bedried. His comfort and joy is a living spring in the soul, a well of water springing up to everlasting life. Jonathan Edwards

Please check out this week's STEWARDSHIP INSIGHT BY GEORGE. It is a good one!
http://keswickgeorge.blogspot.com/