RUGGED AND DOGGEDLY MADE (PART 2)
TEXT:
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." (2nd Corinthians 4 verse 7).
The Bible says that if any man is in Christ Jesus, he is a new creation! This implies that he is one that had never been in existence before. It will amaze you to hear that humanity is yet to fully grasp what it means to be in Christ Jesus. As long as God will find men that can believe Him, and who will make themselves available for His use, humanity will continue to witness much more of God's glory. I believe that there's no end to seeing more of God's intervention in the affairs of men, provided He finds willing vessels to use.
There are two things that stand out, among many others, in God's dealing with mankind. The first is that He became man (Jesus, the God-Man, see Hebrews 2 verse 14; Romans 8 verse 3 and John 1 verse 14). The second is that He chose to take up His residence in man (see 1st Corinthians 6 verse 19). The culmination of these two acts of God's goodness towards mankind completely took the devil unawares. They were acts that baffled and completely discomfited the devil and his cohorts so much that they can never recover from their defeat.
Our Scripture reading for today states that "we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.". Yes, the Eternal God in the Person of the Holy Spirit who now dwells in every believer is that "Treasure". Our mortal bodies in which He dwells are the "earthen vessels". Though earthen vessels we are, there's an amazing and surpassing Power that manifests in us which is not of us, but is of God. The New International Version Bible translation puts it this way: "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." I love the way the Easy-to-Read Bible Version states it: "We have this treasure from God, but we are only like clay jars that hold the treasure. This is to show that the amazing power we have is from God, not from us."
What's the implication of all of these to the child of God? It means that we carry on the inside of us the Lord of glory. We have become living temples of God. Writing to the Corinthian Church, Apostle Paul by way of reminder asked them saying,
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" (Corinthians 6 verse 19)
Another implication is that as a believer, you are never alone anymore! God is with you, even forever (Jn 14 verse 16). Being with you further implies that His Strength has become your strength, the same goes for His Power, Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, etc.
With regards to our daily struggles with the devil and the world, first John chapter 4 verse 4 sums up our position in Christ saying,
"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." In our battles of life, we have been made victorious (1st Corinthians 15 verse 57) and more than conquerors (Romans 8 verse 37). If God be for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8 verse 31)
Brethren, this is the Lord's doing and it is marvelous in our eyes. I want you to have the good understanding that as God's child, you are rugged and doggedly made. The battle of your life isn't yours anymore! No weapon formed against you prospers. Every tongue that rises against you in judgment, is doomed for condemnation. Your righteousness is of the Lord God Almighty! Hallelujah!
PRAYER:
In this festive season of Christmas, the Lord stands by you to watch and fulfill you, in Jesus name. No weapon formed against you prospers, in Jesus name.