Jars of Clay

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

For many years I read this passage with one clear image in mind.

Terra-cotta, reflecting the earth’s rich hue, thick, rough-hewn earthen jars just the right size to hold in two hands. Their purpose, to be filled with whatever is needed and poured out in service.

I imagined them brimming with freshly pressed olive oil, warm water for washing tired feet, or frothy goat’s milk newly squeezed.

Such mental images came to life in my travels through South America and East Africa as I discovered countless vessels created to hold something useful and aid in service. 

I thought deeply about the 2 Corinthians metaphor as my friend Fatuma lifted the flat earthen lid of a large clay jar tucked away in the shadows of her mud hut, then offered me cool water to drink.

Is my life a vessel of refreshment to others?

I reflected on the strength of clay vessels as my friend Sana’ set her large clay pot on the fire to cook a rich meal of goat meat and rice, a meal we would enjoy amidst laughter and fellowship.

Does my life offer up nourishment, laughter, and fellowship for those around me?

I gasped at the fragility of clay vessels as I watched one topple from the head of a laughing village child who had been sent to fetch precious goat’s milk for his auntie. Cats appeared out of nowhere, lapping up the free gift of warm milk before it sank into the parched African ground.

If I were shattered, would goodness flow forth?

Vessels of service, for holding things, carrying things, and pouring them out.

Then I moved to the Arab world and discovered a different kind of earthen vessel. This vessel was also the warm, rich color of sunset, but it served a different purpose.

Instead of thick, rough-hewn walls, the clay sides were smooth and elaborately carved with decorative cavities, preventing it from holding anything inside. It was formed and purposed to expose what was within.

What the jar was made to contain could not, in fact, be contained, for it was created for light.

At dusk, around quiet courtyards graced with elegant palm trees and tinkling fountains, these earthen jars proudly stood in various shapes and sizes, golden light emanating from inside each one, waltzing onto the mosaic tile walls. 

Vessels of light, for revealing things, and shining them forth.

I have long fancied myself a vessel of service. Times of filling have always been followed by seasons of pouring out. This has been the pattern. I became comfortable knowing what kind of vessel I was.

But experienced potters know that sometimes there is reason to shatter a vessel, ground it to powder, and reshape it. The clay can be repurposed. The process requires a patient potter.

We have a patient Potter who determines our shapes and seasons. He will not abandon the work of His hands. #trust #faith Share on X

Back on the wheel, the clay is wedged and thrown and reshaped. As its form rises with new life in the skillful hands of the potter, he holds it just so, until exactly what he has in mind becomes real. In his hands, the clay is reborn.

After such transformation, the new vessel must rest for a while and allow the natural elements of air and time to set the shape the potter has determined.

At the right moment, while the vessel is yet pliable but no longer in danger of deformity, the craftsman cuts the design. With deft fingers and quick movements, he inflicts wounds along the clay walls, exquisite patterns that will allow the vessel to release light in the most beautiful way. 

For this new vessel is a vessel of light, for revealing things, and shining them forth.

Once a vessel of service, now a vessel of light.

What kind of vessel are you?

Have you come through a time of great challenge and suffering? Perhaps the vessel you once were seems changed. Seasons of filling and outpouring have given way to times of crushing. It could be that the patient Potter counted you worthy to be ground and reshaped. 

It is possible that the Master is forming a lamp out of the jar that was crushed.

Hope with me, trust with me, as we anticipate what light He might reveal through our wounded places. He is a perfect Potter, and He is displaying his all-surpassing power through us, His jars of clay.

Lord, make me into the vessel you want me to be. Amen.

@audreycfrank