[APRIL 16] The Treasure and The Pots

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:1-11

"We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be God and not of us."

--2 Corinthians 4:7

It has been said that the Roman Empire ran on olive oil. It was used in cooking, bathing, medicine, ceremonies, lamps, and cosmetics. For decades, olive oil from southern Spain was shipped to Rome in large clay jugs called amphorae. Those jugs, not worth sending back, were discarded in a growing heap of broken shards known as Monte Testaccio. The fragments of an estimated 25 million amphorae created that man-made hill, which stands today on the bank of the Tiber River in Rome. In the ancient world, the value of those pots was not their beauty but their contents.

Because of this, the first-century followers of Christ would have clearly understood Paul's illustration of the life jesus in every believer. "But we have this treasure in earthen vessel, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us" (2 Cor.4:7).

Our bodies, like amphorae, are temporary, fragile, and expendable. In our modern world that highly values outward beauty, we would be wise to remember that our greatest treasure is the life of Jesus within us. By God's grace and power, may we live so that others can see Christ in us.

We are just the clay pots. Jesus is the true treasure within us. --David McCasland

Although my outward shell decays,

I'm inwardly renewed each day,

Because the life and power of Christ

Indwells this fragile jar of clay. --Sper

REFLECT ON THIS:

Christ is seen most clearly when we remain in the background. 

[February 10] Rich toward God

Read: Luke 12:13-21

"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"

--Luke 12:34

I watch the fluctuations of the stock market and reflect on the effects of fear and greed. A character in a 1980s movie had this philosophy: “Greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right! Greed works!... Greed [will] save... the USA!” What foolish thinking!

I think of that occasion when a man asked Jesus to serve as an arbiter and make his brother share their inheritance. Jesus refused the request but went on to do the man a greater kindness. He pointed out the motive behind the man’s request and its consequences: “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15).

Then Jesus told a parable about a man who harvested a bumper crop and began to make plans to increase and enjoy his riches. He concluded: “God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (vv.20-21).

The trouble with greed is that ultimately our goods go. But worse—we go. Better to store up treasure in heaven, invest in spiritual riches, and become “rich toward God.” --David Roper

The treasures of earth do not last,

But God has prepared us a place

Where someday with Him we will dwell,

Enjoying the riches of grace. --Branon

REFLECT ON THIS:

Our real wealth is what we invest for eternity.

[JANUARY 1] Treasure Hunt

Read: Proverbs 2:1-9

"If you seek [wisdom] as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord." 

--Proverbs 2:4-5

On January 1, 2008, Keith Severin and his 7-year-old son, Adrien, agreed that they would spend at least 15 minutes every day that year searching together for treasure. Carlos Alcala's article in Sacramiento Bee described how they went out each day in every kind of weather to see what they could find. A year later their collection of coins, golf balls , recyclable battles and cans, and various other items had yielded more than $1,000. In the process, they enjoyed many hours of companionship and fun.

If we decided to spend 15 minutes a day searching for treasure in the Bible, what would we find? Solomon wrote: "If you seek [wisdom] as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.... Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path." (Proverbs 2:4-5,9).

Growth won't happen all at once. But gradually, day by day, we will be changed through reading God's Word and obeying Him. And think of the privilege and pleasure of spending time with our heavenly Father.

It begins with a willing commitment, continues with exciting discoveries, and leads to the treasure of wisdom and life. --David McCasland

Search the Scriptures' precious store--

As a miner digs for ore;

Search, and you will surely find

Treasures to enrich the mind. --Anon.

REFLECT ON THIS: 
Rich treasures of God's truth are waiting to be discovered.