Friday, November 04, 2005

No Need For Treasure Hunting - We Have Jesus

"Today's Devotion" For November 5, 2005

Read: II Corinthians 4:1-12; Psalm 40

NO NEED FOR TREASURE HUNTING - WE HAVE JESUS

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." (II Cor. 4:7)

Have you ever been interested in finding treasure? If you were going treasure hunting, where would you go? Would you head to the seashore, go on an expedition to Africa, search the California wilderness for an old gold mine, dive on a sunken vessel, or frequent garage sales for unique, undervalued items? How would you know something was a treasure if you found it? How often doesn't the word "treasure" bring up material things of great value that can be owned, possessed, be utilized for monetary gain, or give one power over others?

This idea of what a "treasure" is, what's really valuable, was a challenge facing St. Paul in the church at Corinth. Many had forgotten that God's plan of salvation, through the Cross, was the most valuable treasure they had. In fact, the great challenge Paul faced included the fact that people saw humanity's salvation in Christ's suffering and death on the Cross as utter foolishness. Rather than seeing God's wisdom in the Cross, people were being led astray (as so often happens today as well) down a path that held human wisdom to be greater than God's wisdom, seeing the Cross as pure foolishness from a human standpoint. Wisdom had become man-centered and led the people in the church at Corinth to form factions around the teachers who had baptized them. In so doing each group called into question the wisdom of what other teachers had taught, even challenging God's wisdom in the Cross of Christ.

St. Paul firmly and lovingly helps the people of God to realize that the very wisdom they were looking for came from the Word as shared with them by the Apostles. These men of clay were accomplishing great things in the Lord's name because God was using them, in His wisdom, to make the things of the world truly show their foolishness. Instead of holding up himself or other teachers as those the people should follow, Paul points both to the Scriptures (God's written Word) and the Word made flesh - Jesus Christ. After all, as the Holy Spirit tells us, it's only through the Word that God reveals His wisdom. At the same time, God also reveals His power through people whom He uses to do extraordinary things in His name and in service to others in Jesus' name. Paul points us to the Word of God made flesh, not to any teacher, like himself. It's through the Word that God reveals His wisdom, and it's through people that God reveals His power as He uses them to do extraordinary things in His name. God's wisdom in the Cross of Christ is a treasure we hold in our hearts through faith in Christ. That wisdom is a treasure set in "jars of clay," our sinful, mortal bodies and minds so that God might reflect His power and wisdom in our lives and through us touch others with His love.

Prayer: Father, I realize that all too often I'm guilty of not treasuring the message of salvation in Christ and the redemption I have in Jesus. Too many things get in my way and my human nature wants more tangible things of value. Yet Christ is truly a marvelous treasure, faith in Him fills my life with forgiveness and hope, and I find that sharing that treasure with others lifts me up and fills me with joy and peace. Help me, by the power and wisdom of Your Word and Spirit, to be an effective instrument of Your love and witness to Your wisdom and truth. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright ©2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Pastor Boeck -
I just wanted to thank you for your daily devotional. I read it first thing every morning when I arrive at work, and it helps me start each day remembering what is truly important. Today's prayer was especially meaningful - I've been trying to share the gospel with a co-worker, but I've too often let other things get in the way.

Thank you
Jimmie