"We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us" (2 Cor. 4:7).
Sometimes God permits our vessels to be jarred so that some of the treasure will spill out and enrich others. Suffering reveals not only the weakness of man but also the glory of God. Paul presented a series of paradoxes in this paragraph: earthen vessels—power of God; the dying Jesus—the life of Jesus; death working—life working. The natural mind cannot understand this kind of spiritual truth and therefore cannot understand why Christians triumph over suffering.
Sometimes God permits our vessels to be jarred so that some of the treasure will spill out and enrich others. Suffering reveals not only the weakness of man but also the glory of God. Paul presented a series of paradoxes in this paragraph: earthen vessels—power of God; the dying Jesus—the life of Jesus; death working—life working. The natural mind cannot understand this kind of spiritual truth and therefore cannot understand why Christians triumph over suffering.
Not only must we focus on the treasure and not on the vessel, but we must also focus on the Master and not on the servant. If we suffer, it is for Jesus' sake. If we die to self, it is that the life of Christ might be revealed in us. If we go through trials, it is so that Christ might be glorified. And all of this is for the sake of others. As we serve Christ, death works in us—but life works in those to whom we minister.
Dr. John Henry Jowett said, "Ministry that costs nothing, accomplishes nothing." He was right. A pastor friend and I once heard a young man preach an eloquent sermon, but it lacked something. "There was something missing," I said to my friend, and he replied, "Yes, and it won't be there until his heart is broken. After he has suffered awhile, he will have a message worth listening to."
-Warren W. Wiersbe, Pause for Power: A Year in the Word
11 comments:
Powerful and true. I have been helped by this post. It comes at such a perfect time in my personal life. Affirmation as to my missing your posts for the last week. Glad to hear from you and will be looking forward to many more.
Kevin
Dr. McGhee, welcome back my friend. You were missed by the blog family. Outstanding post, for when we begin to think about the fact that God has deposited something great into flawed vessels is awesome and overwhelming to me. I thank God that he chose me to use me to spread the Gospel.
Lance
Dr. McGee, thank you sir you have no idea how I needed to hear that today. May God bless you richly.
Suffering Nobly
Ron
Pastor: McGhee
As one of your sheep, you know that I am living witness to this and only hope to become a living testimony. I have been through the fiery furnace and am ready to receive my crown. Continue to lead us to the promise land.
GOD Bless!!!
My brother, I have been anticipating your next post every since I read the last one. Another great post! I have never preached from 2 Cor 4:7, but I hope, Lord willing to have a chance at it. What a great reminder to us, that we are the house that clothe God's awesome, mighty power. Thanks again!!!
Pastor, as we experience the trials of life it’s good to be reminded of their benefits and purpose. We often get locked down feeling sorry for ourselves and swimming in self pity. Jesus is always providing us the trials and fuel to over come those situations to make us stronger witnesses to share his wonderful message. The lost of my father this year would have been devastating for it had not been for knowing Jesus and being part of Greater St. John MB Church. I’ve been fortunate to have parents that have lived a spiritual life and a church family that continues to teach me how to live. This all has provided me an understanding of trials and tribulations.
So glad to read your latest words, they have been and continue to be comforting, enlightening and edifying. Looking forward to Sunday’s sermon for another chance to learn, be spiritually filled and watch your passion for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Brother Armstrong
Amen Doc. I am learning that this thing called preaching will cost dearly. To think of all the people in this world God could have chosen to use, yet He chose to use me is very humbling. May God grant all of us the grace to know it is by His chosing and not our own.
No matter how flawed the vessel, God has a way of using it. God bless you. We missed you, I pray that all is well with you and your family.
McGhee, that it is God who makes the vessel, deposits into the vessel, and allows the vessel to be broken. Either way it is all of God and none of us.
To God be the Glory for breaking us in just the right places.
Keep preahing man!!!!
Be Encouraged.
Tony R.
I'm glad to see you back. I've missed you. I must say you have come back with a message that causes me to take inventory on my past experiences of pain and brokeness. It was in these times I grew in the faith and came through with a greater testimony to use for the sake of others. God is not through with me yet there is more treasure to be found that will be used to the glory and honor of God. Thank you Pastor McGhee.
Glory to Christ my Savior.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so~~~
I will try to summarize a poem that I heard, on the topic of vessels. A young girl would take two vessels to the well each day to fetch water for her family; she would carry one in the right hand and one in the other. She discovered that the one in her right hand would always be nearly empty by the time she got home; they would attempt to make repairs each day but to no avail. Being somewhat disappointed, the young girl noticed one day that along the trail there were blooming flowers on the side where the cracked vessel was and baren on the other side.
GOD can do marvelous wonders with cracked vessels.
Pastor, McGhee,
Thank you for the wonderful blog. I've learned working and living for God brings about pain and suffering. However,I'm often reminded of how Jesus went to Calvary for our sins. I then look at pain and suffering differently. "No Cross-No Crown".
Be encouraged my friend
Evangelist
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