Daily Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:3 So if indeed our Good News is veiled, it is veiled only to those in the process of being lost. 4 They do not come to trust because the god of the ‘olam hazeh has blinded their minds, in order to prevent them from seeing the light shining from the Good News about the glory of the Messiah, who is the image of God. 5 For what we are proclaiming is not ourselves, but the Messiah Yeshua as Lord, with ourselves as slaves for you because of Yeshua. 6 For it is the God who once said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has made his light shine in our hearts, the light of the knowledge of God’s glory shining in the face of the Messiah Yeshua.
7 But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it will be evident that such overwhelming power comes from God and not from us.
Reflection Questions:Paul described his own ministry, and more broadly the lives of all Christians, by saying, “We have this treasure in clay pots.” In his day, cheap clay pots were the equivalent of the disposable plastic containers we sometimes use today. Scholar Craig Keener noted, “Some Greek writers…described the body as the soul’s container; for Paul, however, the contrast is not between body and soul but between humanity and God.” Paul knew God gave his work its power.
- Paul’s description of himself as a “clay pot” (verse 7) did not show a lack of self-worth. It merely recognized the abiding truth that, for all of us, God is God and we are not. But the wonder, the amazing truth, is that God calls each of us, with all our limitations and flaws, to be a part of God’s vast eternal purpose to redeem our world. How are you responding to God’s call to you?
- How do you feel about Paul’s description of you as a plain clay jar, a simple implement God can use for God’s purposes? Would you rather be a priceless treasure, a star? Or do you feel unworthy even to try to accomplish anything for God? Whichever way you lean, remember that “the awesome power belongs to God.” You get to be one vessel for delivering that power.
Lord Jesus, you call me, and you promise that, as I am open to you, your awesome power can flow to others through my life. Thank you for this amazing honor. Amen.Insights from Roberta Lyle
Roberta Lyle has been on the Resurrection staff since 2006. She oversees the Collection Ministry, coordinating the donations of clothing, beds, food, furnishings, cars and computers and re-purposing them through our ministry partners to provide to those in need in our community.
Do you ever try to imagine what Paul looked like? What were his mannerisms? How did he sound? Was there something about him that would tell you he was destined for greatness? Well, probably not. Paul himself realized this and writes in 2 Corinthians 10:10, “For some say, ‘His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.’” Paul is one person in a long line of unlikely individuals in the Bible who God relies on to do God’s work of restoring His kingdom here on earth—ordinary people with shortcomings just like me.
This gives me comfort when going through times of adversity. When my dad became ill several years ago, I brought him to Overland Park for treatment. My sisters and I helped him clean out and sell his home of 40 years. As I was driving down from Iowa with Dad in the car, I had the same overwhelming feeling of inadequacy I had when we brought our first-born son home from the hospital. What did I know about taking care of a senior adult with medical issues? We had to find doctors to address Dad’s medical issues and help him decide on a course of treatment. At the same time I was trying to keep up with my sons and their activities—a typical sandwich generation challenge! My sisters were very supportive, but they live far away, so the day-to-day decisions fell to me. Every day I had to lean on God’s power to give me clarity in making decisions and to enjoy the time we had with Dad (even though he insisted on cheering for the Cardinals even when they played the Royals). Despite the struggles, it was a time of bonding and making memories.
I am thankful that when we acknowledge our weakness and call on God he will fill us with His power and strength so we can rise up to meet whatever is coming our way.
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The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue
Do you ever try to imagine what Paul looked like? What were his mannerisms? How did he sound? Was there something about him that would tell you he was destined for greatness? Well, probably not. Paul himself realized this and writes in 2 Corinthians 10:10, “For some say, ‘His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.’” Paul is one person in a long line of unlikely individuals in the Bible who God relies on to do God’s work of restoring His kingdom here on earth—ordinary people with shortcomings just like me.
This gives me comfort when going through times of adversity. When my dad became ill several years ago, I brought him to Overland Park for treatment. My sisters and I helped him clean out and sell his home of 40 years. As I was driving down from Iowa with Dad in the car, I had the same overwhelming feeling of inadequacy I had when we brought our first-born son home from the hospital. What did I know about taking care of a senior adult with medical issues? We had to find doctors to address Dad’s medical issues and help him decide on a course of treatment. At the same time I was trying to keep up with my sons and their activities—a typical sandwich generation challenge! My sisters were very supportive, but they live far away, so the day-to-day decisions fell to me. Every day I had to lean on God’s power to give me clarity in making decisions and to enjoy the time we had with Dad (even though he insisted on cheering for the Cardinals even when they played the Royals). Despite the struggles, it was a time of bonding and making memories.
I am thankful that when we acknowledge our weakness and call on God he will fill us with His power and strength so we can rise up to meet whatever is coming our way.
Download the GPS App
The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
13720 Roe Avenue
Leawood, Kansas 66224 United States
13.897.0120
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