When I was in Israel last year, it was common to see potsherds (broken pieces of pottery) scattered among many of the ancient ruins. They are so numerous, in fact, as to not be valued or protected. Even so, I squealed with the glee of a tipsy paleontologist with each shard sighting. It was endlessly fascinating to see glimpses of a culture which had survived centuries. I couldn't help but wonder how the pottery had been used or what treasure it may have contained.
The pieces of earthenware reminded me of Paul's words in II Corinthians, where he refers to our mortal bodies as mere “clay pots” that hold immeasurable treasure.
Clay pots are temporary --- easily cracked and broken. Who would be crazy enough to put valuable treasure in such a fragile container?
God. He's crazy enough to fill these temporary bodies of ours with an eternal light that reflects the Glory of Christ.
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As I pulled into the driveway of the modest country home, I'll admit that my therapy bag was filled with low expectations. The agency nurse had informed me that my patient - an old rancher - was critically ill. He had been diagnosed with cancer earlier in the year and the treacherous disease had recently begun to severely impact his function. Although he was a candidate for Hospice care, he had politely declined and requested physical therapy, instead.
His sweet wife met me at the door and led me back to their bedroom. There he was... a tiny emaciated man sleeping quietly in his recliner. He was so still and pale, my first concern was that he had stopped breathing. Hearing our chatter, he slowly turned his head. As his gaze searched mine, I smiled into a pair of beautiful, soulful gray eyes that instantly told me more than any documented health history could ever discern. Without a doubt, those eyes were weary. But instead of defeat, a bright fighting light of hope shone through.
It took quite a while to complete the evaluation, as we had to stop and rest after every few minutes of activity. During the breaks, I began to ask about his life. As he slowly opened up, his beautiful eyes grew ever more brilliant, twinkling with humor and spirit that mocked the fragility of his cancer-ravaged body.
As I listened, I glanced over at his wife who was sitting quietly in a corner of the room. She was watching over her husband intently with an expression of innate concern mixed with overt exhaustion. Clearly, her mind fought a truth that her heart wasn't ready to accept. I was filled with compassion for this Wife turned Watchman, Companion turned Caregiver. I wondered at their story... at the layers of years and memories which had culminated in these last difficult months. It was humbling to witness the tangible love and unwavering devotion between them.
However sweet the moment, I knew this precious man was not a good candidate for therapy. So, I straightened my spine, put on my Official PT expression and forced myself to be professional. Or at least, realistic.
“Sir, are you sure you will be able to participate in scheduled physical therapy? I assure you, there are other options that might make you more comfortable, right now.”
His head popped up and he said in a firm, confident voice, “I can't wait. I'm gonna get stronger. Y'all are gonna help me.”
Oh, man.
But you know what? I'm really good friends with a Great Physician. One who specializes in Hope and Miracles. And I would never want to get in the way of His Healing Power.
I looked that tired, feeble man straight in the eye and said, “Alrighty, cowboy... buckle up!”
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"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this
all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned;
struck down, but not destroyed."
Isn't it freaking amazing that even while death is at work within us, the light of Jesus shines brighter and brighter through the cracks of our pitiful pots of clay?
God never said these temporary bodies of ours wouldn't suffer. Instead, He promised to give us strength to persevere.
Hard pressed...
Hard pressed...
Perplexed...
Persecuted...
Struck down...
But not destroyed. Because it's all about the treasure.
