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"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us" (2 Corinthians 4:7).

Jimmy was a friend we met shortly after moving to Lancaster County in 2001. He dealt with a genetic disorder known as Tourette Syndrome, a nervous condition that causes twitching and other involuntary muscle movements. Jimmy is only three years younger than I but he's dealt with this most unwanted condition most of his life. He also had several other afflictions, including diabetes, so he has had a rather hard life.

Jimmy passed away several weeks ago and this last Saturday his service was held where many in the community expressed the value of his life. Bob, a local friend, went to the service and described it to me as powerful.

For many years I would pass Jimmy and see him sitting out on the porch in front of his apartment. I would stop and roll down the window and ask, "How ya doing Jimmy?" and proceeded to share a word of encouragement with him. Jimmy was a believer and we periodically attended a prayer meeting together. As I prepared to drive off, I'd say, "Jimmy, what are you?" and he immediately responded "I'm an overcomer!"  (a spiritual concept I shared with him in a conversation several years earlier.)

If Ester was with me she would get out of the van and run over to give Jimmy a hug which brought him joy and a big smile. He would then ask her, "How are you, Sweetie?" Her response, "I'm good." She would then ask Jimmy, "What are you?" And he would reply, "I'm a hupernikomen" which made us all smile. "Hupernikomen" is the Greek word for overcomer, that we taught Ester early as a child due to her complex heart condition, and she in turn taught it to Jimmy.

Years ago he called and asked for a ride home. "Could you stop by Turkey Hill on the way?" he asked. (Turkey Hill is a local convenience store chain.) As we drove along I asked Jimmy to pray for me. I know he loves the Lord and has a heart for prayer. I had meant "pray for me" in the sense of periodically remembering me in his personal prayer time. But I no more than finished my request when he loudly bellowed out as we rode together, "Dear Jesus, help my brother Steve…"  That instantaneous response to pray really encouraged me.

We all have something wrong with us. Some have major and even prominent afflictions they deal with. (Tourette Syndrome is not only a great nuisance to the patient but also a very socially awkward affliction.)  Others have very minor ones. Ester can be sensitive about her open heart "zipper" (scar), that's been ripped opened and sewn back together six times. I've had some afflictions as well that have left some lasting physical scars as have most of you.

Today's verse uses a powerful image in describing our physical bodies. "We have this treasure in jars of clay." (The KJV says, "earthen vessels".)  What an interesting description of the outer man formed from the dust of the ground.  The image is that of frailness and temporality.  Later in the chapter Paul expresses assurance that "though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day" (2 Corinthians 4:16).

The latter part of the daily verse expresses such a powerful purpose in these "jars of clay"; "To show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." This is a very much needed reminder as we deal with our physical challenges, in whatever form they may be. I know mine are relatively minor as I consider so many of my brothers and sisters around the world; dear believers seeking to hold on to their faith in oppressive Islamic countries, terrorism targeted at believers in Christ, persecuted believers who will give their lives today for their faith. "This all-surpassing power is from God and not from us".

Remember that today, fellow believer in regard to whatever you are dealing with. God is at work in the lives of believers all around the world to advance His glory for "the grace that is reaching more and more people is causing thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God" (2 Corinthians 4:15). May He work in each of our lives, in these "jars of clay" today!

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13.



Stephen & Brooksyne Weber