Jesus is the Treasure within us

This next Bible passage that Paul introduces in 2 Corinthians 4 is one of my favorite portions of Scripture. There is a ray of hope that shines into my heart each and every time I come in contact with "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ." So I title this post Jesus is the Treasure within us because that is what I believe is the ultimate prize hidden in the Jars of Clay.

2 Corinthians 4:7-18:

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you...

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

In the Greco-Roman times, Jars of Clay often concealed hidden treasure. Since the clay jars had little value or beauty, merchants would hide valuable jewelry and goods inside these containers disguising the true worth. Well, in many ways, you and I are like those Jars of Clay in comparison to the treasure of Jesus Christ. Our bodies are frail, week, and easily broken. I know this first hand since I myself have fractured my bones in my ankle, wrists, and even collarbone.

People often fill themselves with perishable goods, things that unfortunately will not last for eternity. Sometimes, we fill our bodies with food. Sometimes, we fill our bodies with drinks. Sometimes, we hide away our precious treasure, wealth, and goods in modern clay jars like banks, stocks, 401ks, and retirement plans. However, God promises us something that will never go away. God has in fact given us one thing that will always remains - His Son Jesus Christ. When we accept that we are broken and fragile in need of a Savior, the Holy Spirit can come inside our Jar of Clay and begin an everlasting life in us.

So just like the last verse of this chapter, let us "fix our eyes not one what is seen, but on what is unseen...what is unseen is eternal." Wealth and riches are temporary. Faith, hope, and love...these virtues are eternal so let us practice what Jesus has commanded in loving others and loving God with our whole entire being.