The Broken Clay Jars

In ancient times people stored their treasures in pottery jars which were molded by a skilled Potter and then baked until hard. He would decorate them with glaze or, paint and give them an ornate lid. Still, some were more functional and baked without adornment. These were all used to hold sacred scrolls or valuable documents. Pottery jars whether beautifully decorated or purely functional had one thing in common, they were fragile, temporary vessels.

Just like these jars were made from earthen clay, our bodies were also formed from the earth.

Genesis 2:7 HCSB

Then the Lord God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being. 

Our bodies were created by God for many different purposes. Our bodies are God's own creation, perfectly designed, and also temporary. Much like these clay jars, our bodies are only temporal vessels to house God's most precious gift; the Light of the world. We come in different shapes, sizes, and colors but, we are all broken. 

Tiny cracks start to form when we are hurt or shaken. Those fine little cracks begin to go deeper and deeper as we face the pitfalls of living in a fallen world. Then finally, one day those small fissures become gaping cracks. Maybe we have lost a loved one, been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, or deceived by someone we trusted. Whatever the case, we will be broken. This isn't the end however if we let The Potter who created us fill those cracks with the Light that existed in the beginning; Jesus Christ. When we accept Christ as our savior through his death and resurrection, we are made new. We are born again. Supernaturally made whole for an eternal purpose. Our broken bodies become vessels for God's own spirit. When we allow Holy Spirit to dwell in us, we will reveal the Light in the darkness. Letting the Light that is Jesus Christ illuminate the world around us through our brokenness

2 Corinthians 4:6-7 HCSB

For God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness, " has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God's glory in the face of Jesus Christ. 

Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us. 

The Apostle Paul goes on in 2 Corinthians 4:8 to write about how we are afflicted in many ways but not crushed, we are perplexed but not in despair, we are persecuted but not abandoned, and we are struck but not destroyed. Paul's words written so long ago are relevant to our lives today. If we have Christ in us, we can overcome anything by His power. 

Are YOU broken, feeling defeated, abandoned, or destroyed? I am here to tell you that now is the time to come to Jesus Christ. In these dark times, we should celebrate because Jesus is always near! You don't have to go through life shattered into a million pieces. I can testify by my life that the Messiah saved me, redeemed me, chose me, resurrected me, adopted me, and made me new by His blood, shed for all. I may be a broken and mended vessel but, God still chooses to use me for His kingdom. He equips me for Divine purpose and, He has gifts to give YOU as well. 

So, I pray that everyone who reads these words will see the value of their brokenness. Let the Light of the World shine through your cracks so that those around you may have hope. 

In Jesus, keep the faith, 

Cheryl D.