2 Cor. 4:7 – “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”
Lord Jesus, thank you… to have you plus nothing, makes us as rich as anybody in history, for you are the archetypal, quintessential, unparalleled “treasure.” It’s truly astonishing to realize you have taken up residency in our frailty and finiteness. That’s not a sad story; it’s a glorious one—just the way you want it, designed it, and delight in it. O, the freedom this offers us. Help us treasure you more than we curse our weakness.
2 Cor. 4:8-9 – “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Jesus, I can’t remember any season when I’ve had more friends in dire straits, difficult stories, and “from-every-side-pressure.” Fortunately, we don’t have to spin it, buck up, or be awesome. None of us is called to be a super-hero, but all of us are called to you—to savor your beauty, own our limits, and rest in your love.
2 Cor. 4:10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
To “carry around your death in our body” is to affirm your cross, not our competency, is to be our boast and trust. There will always be more needs than hours in a day; but there will never be more needs than you are good, faithful, and at work. Reveal more of yourself to us, Jesus, that more of you might be revealed through us. So VERY Amen.