But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 2 Corinthians 4:7-10 (NIV)
The Holy Spirit in us is God’s seal upon us signifying that we are His. He is our Treasure in our jars of clay, empowering us to walk in a manner worthy of our Lord - conforming us in ever increasing measure into the image of Jesus - leading us onward and heavenward beyond all earthly expectations. He is the manifestation of all good in a life – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Flesh can muster and mimic these qualities but never consistently maintain.
The Gospel message of salvation and the results it produces in a life are divinely wrought and glorious. God in His infinite wisdom and mysterious ways has chosen for this treasure to be housed in mere mortal man – jars of clay to be precise. We speak of human power but the heaven’s laugh us to scorn. The Holy Spirit within the believer brings life to dull and dead hearts and increases the power of the weak. God desired this sharp contrast so that no one could mistake the Source and the all-surpassing power of the Gospel message. This power from God is placed in our flesh that we might reveal Jesus to others. In this, we often feel our own deep sense of unworthiness compared to the beauty, importance and grandeur of the message we carry. A pure treasure to be sure.
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:16-21 (NIV)