October 1 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

2 Corinthians 4:5–7

Devotional

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels.” As we read this text we can think of the parable of the man who found a treasure in the field. In those days people would put treasures of gold and silver in clay pots and bury them in the ground. A clay pot is fragile and does not have much value. The matter of importance was not the clay pot, but the treasure therein. That earthen vessel was only the packaging. It would not be tragic if it broke, as long as the contents were kept. The treasure Paul refers to is the Word of the Triune God. Paul compares himself to that vessel. What a striking contrast: The significance of the proclamation of the Word and the inability of the preacher. Paul compares an eternal treasure and a fragile vessel.

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels.” That is how God wanted it to be so that, as Paul says, the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. The vessel simply serves its purpose when the focus is not on the servant of God but on the treasure.

Certainly, there will be bonds of love towards him who proclaims the Word of God. When the seed of God’s Word falls in one’s heart, who can forget the preacher? It is also true the other way around. The preacher has bonds with those in whose hearts he was privileged to sow the Word of God. For it is a matter of great joy for a minister when he realizes that he, being only a weak means, can preach God’s Word and it in turn will lead people to flee to the Lord. But both minister and listener end in the treasure and it will be precisely this life in God that unites them together.

What a privilege it is for ministers to be used of the Lord for this special, glorious office. But ministers are still earthen vessels. Sins and ministerial shortcomings exist also in ministers. What is man, that God is willing to make use of weak men for the furtherance of His salvation? What happens when the earthen vessel is broken; will it then complain? No, it should be very grateful that it was privileged to carry this treasure and proclaim it to people.

Now, what will you do with this treasure of God’s Word when the earthen vessel is broken? The important matter is not the vessel but the treasure. Let the vessel fall away, as long as you still have the treasure. For then the vessel has done its work. It has served its purpose. Then you must realize that the King of the church Himself has said, “I will not leave you comfortless” (John 14:18). Then there are bonds in Christ which will remain forever. Where your treasure is, that is also where your heart will be. Then the richest privilege that remains is when the Word of God has sprung up in your heart. How blessed it is to be driven to the inner chamber because His Word has uncovered your sin or comforted you. Whatever the case, God’s Word will not return to Him void. May it be for us not a savor of death unto death, but a savor of life unto life (2 Cor. 2:16). God’s grace is more than sufficient.

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.