JUST AN OLD CLAY POT.

Looking from my kitchen window I saw the old clay pot balanced on the fence post, with a yellow daffodil blooming from it. What a cheery sight on a bleak August morning. Merely an old bulb, buried in the soil, wet by the rain, warmed by the sun, yet fully blooming in the Creator’s perfect time. Treasure in an earthly vessel.

I remembered Paul saying, ’We have this treasure in pots of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.’ (2 Corinthians 4:7)

I meet many women who feel that they are weak, useless, insignificant, and useless to God. This is so sad. Yes, A clay pot may be of little use on its own, but fill it with soil, plant a living seed, warm it with the sunshine of God’s love, shower the Holy Spirit on it; and the treasure bursts into life and glorious colour. It amazes me how one yellow daffodil transforms a room, especially on a cold day. Our lives are clay pots transformed with the powerful touch of God’s love, through His Holy Spirit.

Paul explains God’s treasure, working in our lives. God who said, ’ Let light shine out of darkness’ shone in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.’ (2 Corinthians 4:6)

God’s creative miracle of light pictures our conversion when through the knowledge and understanding of Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross, light scattered the darkness. By faith, we believed the promises, and the treasure of loving power filled our lives. You see, faith comes by hearing the Word of God.

People benefit from our treasure, as God disperses the darkness in their hearts.

One of my 80 year-old friends, who is far from pining away, lives in a Rest home. In a ten page letter, she told me of her postman’s conversion. From her heart treasure of the knowledge and presence of God, she told this young man of God’s love, Who would displace the darkness of his unbelief. The postman believed all that my dear ’clay pot’ friend told him, when he was converted to trust in Jesus Christ. He began studying the bible in a home group to learn more of his Lord. Now he eagerly shares his clay-pot treasures with his friends.

Another friend, though poorly educated, and deserted by her husband, who had left her to bring up four children alone, feels she is only a clay pot. Yet, her remarkable gift is helping people, simply talking her faith in the Lord Jesus. In a special series of meetings, she brought along 12 relatives, some of whom heard the gospel for the first time. Having seen the treasure enriching her life; they came to hear more.

The clay pot itself is not important; for any pot will do, so long as the treasure inside brightens and enriches the lives of those we touch. The treasure demonstrated in personal ways will aid the poor; show compassion for the lonely; encourage the downcast and sad; befriend the bereaved; grip and interest the younger generation; share our faith with those prepared to listen; and breathe the life of Christ.

This delightful poem was written by my dear 80 year-old ‘clay pot’ friend, Anne.

Keep looking to Jesus, Who always understands;

Problems and anxieties are safe in His strong hands.

Go forth in His wise leading; Trust Him and He will guide,

When dark clouds gather, safe in His love abide.

HE is your sure foundation, on Whom your soul may rest,

Keep ‘looking unto Jesus,’ you surely will be blest.

GWENDA