Death…and new life

This weekend I preached at the REYWT retreat/ meeting and focused on the text from 2 Corinthians 4: 1-15.  It’s an interesting passage and you are probably familiar with at least parts of it.   Clay is malleable and able to be shaped into whatever the potter would like.  If it isn’t quite “correct,” the craftsperson can remold it until he or she feels like the creation is just right.  It is only after the clay is fired that it becomes hard and brittle.  Unfortunately, unlike glass that can be refired and recreated, clay jars are easily broken and disposed of regularly because they cannot be refired once broken.  Paul’s use of this tangible, everyday material highlights the way in which our bodies exist in much the same way.

I love this passage because Paul takes this imagery one step further.  Despite the easily broken nature of our bodies (and perhaps even our spirits, etc.?!), God still places the treasure within us.  With this treasure, Christ gains new life through our own lives.  Our death to personal needs and desires for the way of faith gives life to Jesus Christ.  So what do we do with this new life?  How do we live each day differently because Christ has gained life in us?  These are the questions to ask as we journey to Easter…