Thoughts for the Day

But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.....

But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture—‘I believed, and so I spoke’—we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Paul is writing to the Christians at Corinth reminding them that God has given them a treasure - that is, the Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. He says it is rather like putting treasure into a clay pot, which is easily broken. God chose humans who are weak and easily destroyed to hold the knowledge of His existence. Paul knows about the fragility of life. As a Christian he has been persecuted, beaten, hunted, and generally harassed from town to town. Yet because of his faith in Jesus he must speak out. He says "I believed, and so I spoke!"

How much does our faith mean to us? Does the knowledge that God sent His Son to draw us back to Himself and save us from eternal death, mean enough, that sometimes we are forced to speak out?

Most of us have never been threatened because of our faith, and certainly I have not. But I have been ostracised, mocked, and shouted at, because of my faith. The most common place for this to happen is the village pub, where a few drinks can loosen tongues. On one occasion there was a man who would always "nobble" me, to complain about God allowing something to happen. He blamed God for every bad thing, and I would get the brunt of it as one of His representatives! He would always shout "How can you believe in a God who lets this happen? It's all nonsense!"

One day I had had enough, and I looked directly at him and asked, "Why are you so angry at a God you don't believe exists?" He sat back on his stool, nonplussed, as though I had hit him. I continued, "Let's talk some more next week? Come and see me!"

Well he did, and we continued arguing, but he began to listen and to learn, and some time later came to church. It was like all of us, a work in progress!

Father-God,
strengthen our faith to know
the value of what You have given us.
When we are confronted
with those who disparage Your existence,
or who blame You for human errors,
seeming to think we are Your puppets,
teach us what to say,
and to know how to share
the immense treasure of Your love for us.
Amen.