The Excellency of the Power is of God

2 Corinthians 4:7-9

[7]But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

[8]We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

[9] Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Reading this verse the first question that comes to mind is: what is the treasure? 

I find the response to this question in chapter 3 where we see the glory of of the letter. The glory of the letter ministered death and could not be beheld by the Israelites that Moses had to put a veil on his face (2 Corinthians 3:7).

However, now, through the gospel (the glory of the Spirit), we can behold the glory of the Lord as in a mirror and not only so but also we are being changed day by day into that image (2 Corinthians 3:18) We have received this treasure through his mercy 🙌🏿 

I could talk more on the treasure but that is the essence of the treasure in us. 

Secondly, I find it strange that treasure would be put in earthen vessels. Vessels that are easily broken rather than vessels that are really secure like a safe or a bank vault. However, this tells me that the Christian who will really experience the glory of the treasure will not consider themselves sufficient by themselves but will realise that without God they are nothing. I am convinced that is the reason God chose earthen (weak) vessels; that the vessels (Christians) will see it was not of anything of their own but of the power of God.

These earthen vessels (Christians) experience their weakness by been troubled, perplexed, Persecuted and cast down. Yet for some reason these vessels, aren't distressed, despaired, forsaken nor destroyed. 

Why?

I perceive one of the reasons to be because of the power of God possessed by these earthen vessels. It is the power of God that works in us. It preserved us, encourages us, disciplines us, teaches us etc. 

Therefore, as a Child of God, when in trouble, perplexed, persecuted or cast down, always make God your first and only refuge and by His power you will not be distressed, despaired, forsaken nor destroyed.

You can continue reading 2 Corinthians 4 to the end. Paul gives other reasons why the earthen vessels are not distressed, despaired, forsaken nor destroyed.

It is my prayer that each of us will be encouraged.🙏🏿