Introduction
This piece of writing discusses the concept of the “earthen vessel”. The name may refer to something worthless. It is a device made from clay or earth which is used to hold water or keep treasure such as land or title deed (Jer 32:14).
Believers as Treasures
The scriptures see man as an earthen vessel. This is so because the man was created from the dust of the ground (Gen 2:7). Paul writes that “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. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” (2Co 4:6-9).
According to Paul, as written above, God Himself shines in our hearts to illuminate or spirits to understand His knowledge that pertains to Christ Jesus. Paul, therefore, argues that if a believer is able to demonstrate the power of God, s/he must be humble enough and give the glory to God, because being a man, made from clay, s/he cannot have such power to demonstrate the glory of God. So, if God shines in our hearts, He lives there with all His fullness and works through us. By implication, believers have God in them, therefore, as an earthen vessel, they house God who is their treasure and glory.
Vessels in the Great House
Again, Paul teaches that though believers are treasure-carrying vessels in the house of God, their vessels differ in glory from one another. He, therefore contends that “But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of the earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. If a man, therefore, purges himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work” (2Ti 2:20-21).
The vessels differ in appearance but that does not matter to God. Whether one´s vessel commands respect or is looked down on, by others. The important thing is its sanctification. He, therefore, contends that if any person, irrespective of his/her appearance, shall sanctify his/her vessel or body, s/he shall be reserved for God´s use. This explains that God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34, Rom 2:11).
Conclusions
Humans were made from the dust of the ground but God has endowed Him/her with a treasure. Whatever treasure-gifts or talents that man might have, s/he have no reason to boast and take the glory that belongs to God for himself or herself. Believers need to understand that it is God who shines in them to help them understand and accept the knowledge about Himself, and His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. For God to use his children to display His glory, He demands their sanctification
Prayer: Our merciful God, we thank you for the treasure you have deposited in us. I pray that you help us to value it and live our lives worthy of that treasure so that we shall be ready and available for your use. In the name of Jesus Christ. AMEN!