Any old pot ∙∙

Any old pot ∙∙

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This clarifies that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. – 2 Corinthians 4:7

1 Timothy 1:12-16

 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him,

 13 even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief.

 14 Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.

 15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” – and I am the worst of them all.

 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.

Remember You are Mortal

Following a major military victory in ancient Rome, a “triumph” was a grand ceremonial procession for victorious generals. These generals, revered for their success, would ride a chariot drawn by four horses through the streets, culminating at the temple of Jupiter.

One fascinating element of this procession involved a slave positioned behind the general in the chariot. The slave held a golden crown above the general’s head, continually whispering the phrase “Memento Mori” (Remember you are mortal). This was a powerful reminder to the celebrated general that, despite the triumphant victory and earthly acclaim, he was only a mere man.

This serves as a poignant reminder of humility, illustrating that even in triumph, human fragility and dependence on something greater must never be forgotten.

Clay Vessels and Eternal Treasure

Why does the Father choose to use fragile, common clay pots like us? The emphasis is never on the vessel but on the treasure it holds. Similarly, the slave standing behind the victorious general shifted attention away from the man and back to his humanity.

The Father’s surpassing power is the Father’s alone and not ours. When we recognize our fragile weakness, it is precisely what the Father intended. It’s a humbling and intentional choice, as He invites us to set aside pride and experience and exercise His surpassing power.

Someone asked St. Francis how he was able to accomplish so much. He replied, with these words, “This may be why: The Lord looked down from heaven and said, ‘Where can I find the weakest, littlest man on earth?’ Then he saw me and said, ‘I have found him, and he won’t be proud of it. He will see that I am only using him because of his insignificance.’”

The Treasure Within

The treasure we carry is extraordinary. It is the illuminating light of God’s knowledge that pierces the darkness brought by the evil one. This treasure is the message of the gospel, the life-giving revelation of who God is and the hope He offers.

Although we are but fragile earthen vessels, it is in our very weakness that the Father’s power can shine the brightest. This is a core truth for every child of the King. We are not valued for our strength or appearance but for the treasure we carry within us.

Strength in Weakness

The crushing experiences of life make us weaker still and allow the Father’s glory to shine forth in sublime power and majesty. Our weakness is essential to release and display the Father’s power. The apostle Paul offers profound insight into this truth in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: “Each time, he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ Now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That is why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

The Greek word used for “clay” in Scripture is ostrakinos, which refers to “earthenware or baked clay.” It highlights something “fragile, easily broken, and lowly in status.” Earthen vessels like these were not valued for their strength or beauty. They were used because they could hold things safely, such as precious wine or sacred written texts like the five books of Moses. For example, the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were protected within sealable clay jars.

This imagery of fragile clay jars underscores a striking contrast. On one hand, we are weak and prone to breaking. On the other hand, the treasure we hold is immeasurable. It is in this sharp contrast that the Father’s glory and power are fully displayed.

Garland observes, an earthen vessel is “quintessentially fragile,” prone to breakage, easily chipped, and cracked. A breakable vessel offers no protection for the treasure (except from dust and water). Therefore, the image emphasizes the contrast between our pitiful weakness and the great and awesome power of the Father

Life’s hardships, pains, and trials may leave us feeling weak, insignificant, or even broken. Yet, it is precisely in these moments that the Father’s power is most evident. Our weakness becomes the space where His strength shines through in sublime power and majesty, reminding us that we can never rely on ourselves but must always depend on Him.  

Every child of the King is like a jar of clay. On our own, we have little strength or value. True strength lies not in what we can do, but in what God can do through us. But when filled with the treasure of God’s presence, our true worth is revealed.

REFLECT & PRAY

Wine couldn’t be stored in golden or silver vessels but only in earthenware. Every child of the King is simply a “jar of clay;” it is the treasure within the vessel that gives the vessel its value.

Father, life is full of trials, and I often feel burdened by my weakness, sensitivity, and frailty. Please help me shift my focus away from these weaknesses and instead look to the treasure of Your presence within me. Use my fragility to showcase Your glory, power, and love. Teach me to depend on You entirely, for Your grace is always sufficient.

INSIGHT

Designed for His Plan for Us

The Father made each of us intentionally, crafting us as we are so we can carry out the specific work He has planned for us. We are His chosen vessels, designed not to operate in our own strength but to depend on His power. As Wiersbe so beautifully puts it, “We are earthen vessels so that we might depend on the Father’s power and not our own.”

Any Vessel Will Do

When the Lord Jesus Christ performed His first recorded miracle, turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana, He didn’t use ornate, polished containers for this mighty act. Instead, He used simple, unadorned stone water jars that were likely dusty and weathered on the outside.

Archaeological findings show that these jars were large, goblet-shaped stone vessels, carved from single blocks of stone using a lathe. Each jar could hold between twenty to thirty gallons, and with six jars present, they contained a massive total of 120 to 180 gallons of water. These stone jars were not extraordinary in any way, yet Jesus transformed the ordinary water they held into the finest wine (ESV Notes). The point is they were just plain old pots.

Vessels Filled to the Brim

What is important in this miracle is that the jars were made ready and available for use. When the Lord Jesus Christ asked for them to be filled to the brim with water, they were promptly prepared. Then, working behind the scenes, Jesus turned the water into wine. Only when the master of ceremonies tasted it was the miraculous transformation revealed, prompting his remark to the bridegroom, “You have saved the best wine until now” (John 2:6-10).

The transformation of the ordinary into something extraordinary reminds us that even common vessels, when ready and filled, can serve divine purposes that reveal God’s glory.

Treasure in Fragile Vessels

Paul, the apostle, fully understood the concept of being a fragile vessel filled with immeasurable treasure. He wasn’t afraid of suffering or trials because he trusted the Father to guard the vessel as long as Paul himself guarded the treasure. The Father allows trials into our lives, controls their impact, and ultimately uses them to bring Him glory.

Wiersbe reminds us that “God is glorified through weak vessels,” reinforcing that it is not the strength of the vessel but the greatness of what is within that matters.

His Strength in Our Weakness

J. Hudson Taylor once reflected, “All of God’s giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on Him being with them.” This truth should encourage us when we feel inadequate or unworthy. Feeling lowly, fragile, or run down doesn’t disqualify us from being used by the Father—in fact, it may make us exactly the kind of vessel He is seeking.

Are You Available?

The beauty of being a vessel lies not in perfection but in readiness. The Lord Jesus Christ isn’t looking for flawless jars; He seeks those that are available and willing to be filled with His miraculous power. He has likely already deposited within you tremendous treasures waiting to reveal His glory.

True strength lies not in what we can do, but in what God can do through us and we make ourselves available. Trust in His power to take your brokenness and use it for His glory.

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© Dr. H 2025