Glory in the Ordinary

Glory in the Ordinary

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”

Growing up, one of my favorite bands was Jars of Clay. Their song Worlds Apart remains one of my all-time favorites because of how honestly it portrays our brokenness.

“I am the only one to blame for this.”
“Soaring on the wings of selfish pride, I flew too high.”
“More and more I need You now, I owe You more each passing hour.”

I must admit that no matter how much I loved the band, I never really connected the phrase “jars of clay” to this verse until preparing this week’s sermon. Studying the passage gave me a fresh appreciation for the imagery.

Jars of clay were ordinary, common, inexpensive containers that everyone owned. There was nothing impressive about them except what they carried. The value of the jar was found in what was inside, not in the appearance of the outside.

Paul calls us jars of clay in 2 Corinthians 4:7. God has placed His treasured message and His powerful Spirit inside of us. Our value is not found in our appearance, achievements, or abilities, but in what God has chosen to place within us.

Reflecting back on Worlds Apart, the song captures just how fragile we really are. We are tempted by pride, overwhelmed by shame, distracted by the offerings of the world, and easily cracked by pressure. Yet these fragile jars are exactly what God chooses to use.

God has placed His treasure in jars of clay—you and me. Why? So that the surpassing power would belong not to us, but to God.

You may feel unimpressive, inadequate, or unnoticed. Join the club. God is not calling us to be famous, perfect, or self-sufficient. He is calling us to carry His message in our feeble bodies—as we are, not as we should be.

God treasures you and places His power within you. You are not overlooked by Him. You are loved, sought, redeemed, and invited to carry the greatest treasure in the world.