Jars Of Clay

by Johnston, Brian, D. | Category: N/a | Sept 2007

The story of Gideon (Judges 7) is an account of human weakness, with divine help, albeit still in much fear and trembling, finally overcoming overwhelming odds because a man was in touch with his God. Gideon's mere 300 men surrounded the camp of their numerous enemy in the dark of night. Armed with trumpets and torches concealed in clay jars (pitchers), they were granted by God a miraculous victory. At Gideon's signal, the sound of trumpets broke the silence and the clay jars were smashed as light pierced the darkness.

This world is a dark place spiritually, and the battle is on for hearts and minds as 2 Cor.4:1-11 makes clear. The imagery there seems to draw parallels with Gideon's defeat of the Midianites. Referring to the gospel and its ministry (v.1), Paul says we have it as treasure in jars of clay (v.7; cf. 2 Tim.1:14 NASB). This language, with its comparison of treasure with clay, proves that our ministry of proclaiming the gospel is much more valuable than life itself. What we possess is as treasure, compared to what we are: mere jars of clay.

What's more, these clay jars need to be broken: so that the light of the gospel (v.6); the power that is of God (v.7); and the life of Jesus (v.10) can be seen in this dark world. This is the great positive, and privilege, associated with suffering hardship with the gospel. As you read of these early ministers of the gospel being afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, struck down and always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus (vv.8-10), picture the breaking of the clay jars. For not only does the truth require to be manifested, but also the life of Jesus (vv.2,11).

As a result, our methods will then reflect the message in being wholly without deceit (v.2). Literally, we are not to use 'bait' in attempting to 'hook' people with the unadulterated Word of God.

Johnston, Brian, D. | Sept 2007
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