Daily Devotion with Pastor Tong Liu: Today's Passage

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.

Paul describes here that man is like jars of clay. Our bodies and minds gradually fade away over time. We face all kinds of pressure in life and as such, some people say we do not "grow" to maturity, but we are "compressed" to maturity. Under all sorts of pressure, it is easy to feel lonely and helpless, and wonder if we will ever survive the pressure. At that point, we are either filled with anger or we are trying to run away. However, Paul mentions here, "We have this treasure in jars of clay."

While we are under all sorts of pressure, the most important thing is not to escape, but to ask God to open your eyes so that you can see this treasure, which is the presence of the Lord. After Jesus was resurrected from the dead, the disciples appear to be disheartened and were not too excited. The government officials said they had stolen the body of Jesus, the Jews say they were spreading rumors, but even the disciples themselves did not know where Jesus was. Peter took a few disciples fishing in the sea of Tiberia. Why did they go fishing? The truth is they wanted to run away and hide in a corner, to do the things that they can control. Since they were fishermen, fishing was their natural talent. However, they caught no fish while they were at sea. You can imagine how frustrated and tired they must have been.

On the surface, running away may seem like an easy path, but the truth is increases our burden physically nd spiritually. Take the example of the disciples on that day. While they were discouraged, suddenly they heard a voice shouting at them from the shore, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" They answered, "No!" The voice commanded them to throw their nets on the right side of the boat, and there were 153 large fish in the net. John immediately realized that it was Jesus. Jesus has been with them the whole time, but they did not notice. As such, they failed to draw strength from the Lord to overcome their pressures. When did they experience the presence of the Lord? It was when they returned to Jerusalem, they learned to depend on God to face the pressures of life and became great witnesses for the Lord.

No matter what circumstances you are in, do not forget that we have a treasure in in jars of clay. God is with you and me. Just rely on Him and you will find tremendous strength to turn your pressures into a driving force.

Pray with Pastor Tong

Lord, once again we come before you and we acknowledge that we are but jars of clay. By faith we proclaim before you that you alone are our strength and hope. You are our source of life. May your spirit once again lift us up so that we may understand that you are always with us. May we declare your victory before the enemy each day. We thank you and pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!