Treasure

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” ~ 2 Corinthians 4:7

In his book, Life on the Mississippi, great American author, Mark Twain, recounts his adventures as a boy and then as a riverboat pilot. In the grand style of Twain, he looks back at his past and shares the thoughts and desires of boyhood. One of my favorite quotes from the book is, “Now and then we had a hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates. “I think that in those few words, Twain captures the adventurous spirit and endless curiosity that comes from being a child. Endless opportunities stretch out ahead of you. Nothing is impossible. For Twain, the desire to be a pirate is the desire to live an exciting life. The anticipation of discovery. The sure knowledge that what is coming in the future will be marvelous.

In 2 Corinthians 4:2, Paul writes to the church in Corinth and he tells them that God is hidden a treasure in “Jars of clay.” Paul is pointing to the amazing riches that come from living a life transformed by the gospel. It is a treasure that brings hope, strength, purpose, and transformation into our lives. It is the power of God at work in the lives of men.

Living the Christian life is not a boring reality. It is full of adventure and discovery. We walk in a world unseen by human eyes. A world where God is King and Jesus is Lord. Daily we discover the grace that God pours out on mankind. We discover forgiveness for sin, hope for tomorrow, and value in the moments. Paul says that the treasure gives us a way to live where God watches over and nurtures us. Life may bring hardship and despair, but Jesus brings joy and contentment. We are the pirates that Twain so longed to be when he grew up. A people living in the power and presence of God.