“We showcase the treasure of the Gospel in our weak humanity—in fragile jars of clay. This gives God all the glory for what he is doing in us and through us. We feel pressure on every side, but we’re not crushed. We’re perplexed but not in despair. Though persecuted, we know God’s abiding presence. Beaten down but not obliterated. We were crucified and raised with Christ, so his death is dear to us and his resurrection-life is now being revealed through us” (pp 2Cor.4:7-10).
Dear Jesus, comparing my challenges to the Apostle Paul’s is like comparing my ukulele plucking to Phil Keagy’s guitar playing; Kmart flip flops to German made Birkenstocks; canned asparagus to farm-fresh vegetables. In other words, there is no comparison. But I 100% relate to Paul’s treasure imagery and weakness metaphor.
Indeed Jesus, you are the most glorious, exquisite, and eternal treasure. Free me and my friends to be 100 times more enthralled with you than we currently are. We love you but want to be utterly “smitten” with you” and “gobsmacked” adoring of you.
Though there are moments/seasons in life when throwing in the towel, running to a distant land, or numbing our pain in foolish ways seem incredibly attractive—we know you well enough not to be as easily tricked by the devil’s schemes (2Cor.2:11). We’d rather be weak Christ-bearers than “awesome” and Christless.
You didn’t come into our world to be our masseur, concierge, butler—but our Savior, Lord, and very life. If being weak best reveals your magnificence, keep me/us weak. If the aroma of grace is most fully released through “cracks” in jar-of-clay-ness, don’t patch up my/our cracks. Reveal more of yourself to us and through us, Jesus. Become even more our singular, incomparable treasure. There is no greater privilege, joy, and honor. So Very Amen.
