Date: 12-24-14
Text: — 2 Corinthians 4:7 — But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.[NIV84]
The Big Idea: This precise Treasure, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, the Hope of Glory, is in our earthen vessel—our jar of clay!
My Thoughts:
This precious Treasure is Light—not too burdensome, and very, very bright. Some put lampshades over the jar because of its brightness. These do not want to offend anyone. Others shine it full bore forcing others to cover their eyes. However we carry this precious Treasure of Light, I want to remind us of how precious it is….
Lifestyle worshiper: This precise Treasure is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, the Hope of Glory. Born in obscurity and in poverty, He humbled Himself to take on an earthen vessel, a jar of clay—if you will. He grew up in a small village. Lost His father at a young age and had to provide for His family as a carpenter. After a couple of decades, He stepped out of obscurity and into the limelight, preaching the good news: “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” He went about doing good: Healing the sick, comforting the mourners, giving sight to the blind, feeding the poor, and releasing those held captive.
The crowd’s cheers soon turned to jeers as they escorted Him to the cross. Ah, but you know the rest of the story. The grave could not hold Him! He is Risen and ascended, soon to come in full glory!
And it is He—the Risen, Glorious Savior, this Precious Treasure, the Light of the World—we have in our earthen vessel—our jar of clay! Yes, those who have committed to follow Jesus, to receive Him into their lives have His very presence in us. Does this overwhelm you as it does me? This Holy Light of which we sing is ‘housed’ in my common, dirty, ‘old’ life. I know what my flesh is. …
But the Holy One puts His Holy Light in me to show that when I am hard pressed and not crushed; when I perplexed and not despairing; when I am persecuted and not abandoned; when I am knocked down and not destroyed: all this is to show that I am not doing it, but His all-surpassing power is! He is preserving me, protecting me, and promoting Him—Jesus, the Light of the World.
When you celebrate a Christmas Eve candlelight service or attend a Christmas Mass, humbly rejoice in this powerful mystery: “Christ [—the Light of the World—] in you, the Hope of Glory” (Colossians 1:27)! Have a very blessed and Merry Christmas. Shalom to you and yours under your care.
Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33 (NIV84)
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. — 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (NIV84)
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” — Luke 2:13-14 (NKJV)
Heavenly Father, I join the angels in praising You for this miraculous mystery: Immanuel—God with us! I praise You for this truly awesome mystery of Christ in me, the Hope of Glory. I am speechless. Holy Spirit, intercede so that my Praise may truly honor You, and the Father and the Son! Baruch Ha Shem (Blessed be the Name!), Amen.
Pastor Mike
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