Treasure in Earthen Vessels

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 2 Corinthians 4:6

I have heard many prophets and ministers lately, giving the examples from the Bible about our lives being like clay in the Potter's Hand. Over the years I've contemplated that God has indeed shaped and moulded my life to be a fit vessel unto His honor. I have been cracked and broken and the Master Potter has skillfully mended me better and stronger than I was originally, even though it was my own mistakes that caused my brokenness. I remember meditating on this at least 20 years ago and I nod my head in agreement, our God is Amazing.

Today I received a new perspective of us as clay pots. Clay pots can be fashioned by hand, or turned on a wheel, some are poured into molds and other are fashioned from coils of clay pressed and moulded together. Small children take clay and just press the lump into a bowl or pot type shape. In some countries clay is left in the sun to dry. As it dries it hardens, but if not properly conditioned it can become brittle. I had the opportunity while growing up to take ceramic classes at a relative's home. She was a talented teacher and artist, so I learned a lot from her.

She used clay 'slip' to pour into molds, which were then dried on shelves in the warm room. The art students would carefully smooth the edges created by the molds and then the clay vessel is 'fired'. This would harden and strength the clay. Afterwards a glaze is applied and the piece is 'fired' again, at a higher temperature. Glaze seals the porous clay, or ceramic, making it lustrous and waterproof. If the piece is to be preciously detailed with 'china paint', the artist carefully mixes powdered paint with lavender oil and medium(another oil substance). This 'china paint' (usually reserved for fine china) is fired at a very high temperature to seal the vivid colors of the details into the glazed piece. Finally, if a gold or silver trim is desired, they use some a real precious metal mixture and tiny, thin brushes to carefully place the treasured trim. Then the piece is again 'fired' yet again, causing the brilliant gold or silver to come forth for all to admire.

1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

James 1:2-12 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations[fiery trials]; Knowing that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withers the grass, and the flower thereof falls, and the grace of the fashion of it perishes: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Clay pots have the ability to pass through very high temperature firing. If a piece of paper or something should get stuck to the bottom, it will burn up in the kiln (oven). This reminds me of how the Bible tells us, that all that is not of God in our lives, will burn as wood or stubble. I am reminded that our life trials are strengthening, and beautifying our lives to make us not only fit but beautifully decorated vessels, that reflect the glory of God and are useful for His intended purposes. The number of times we find ourselves in the furnace can vary according to our purpose and decoration. A plain earthen pot that requires no glaze, may only take a single firing. Whereas one who is to glisten with the beauty and artistry to give glory to the Master, may take many, many firings. Both are according to His purposes.

Then I am also reminded that our God is a consuming fire. (Deuteronomy 4:24, Hebrews 12:29)Those which are our own works, or those done by the will or strength of man will either burn up completely, or the firing will show the forgery, and the need for the Master to do some corrective work on the piece. Those most intricate glazings, and delicate hand paintings done by the Master, take special oils mixed with the paint. The oils always speak of the Holy Spirit's anointing on our lives. God never takes over our lives, but gently guides and leads us, so that it is our own will that chooses God's will and purpose for our lives.

As believers, we have no need to fear that when we stand in God's presence, even face to face, we will be consumed. Because in His wonderful wisdom he made us earthen vessels. The simplest earthen vessel can contain the treasures of God's salvation freely given to us. He planned it that way! We don't have to become perfect and mature to become His treasure chest. Yet our Heavenly Father, The Master, has a beautiful plan for each vessel--and He sees each of us as simple unfired pots and our full potential at the same time. And He adores each and every one that He has formed(or created). For we are each created to carry His glory!

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7