Knowledge is power. Height is might. Money rules. The more you have, the more power you have. This is the world's motto. But true power does not consists of missiles and tanks any more than it consists of muscles in tank tops. No matter how powerful the bombs or how pumped-up the biceps, true power is not found there.
True power exists in paradox, the most significant of which occured two thousand years ago when God in the flesh died - when omnipotence surrendered to impotence. Jesus, who had the power to call angels down from heaven to destroy His enemies, didn't. Instead, He endured the shame of the cross, and "when they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats... (1 Pet. 2:23)."
Is it any wonder the cross is a stumbling block to so many people: "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Cor.1:18)." The cross. The power of God. That's where true power comes from. Power to minister effectively and impact others comes from God. But His power is not displayed as humans would display it. There are no parades of military might. No bold headlines. No press conference. No flexed muscles, or clenched fists, or angry threats.
So how God displays His power? Paul tells us in 2 Cor. 4:7a - "But we have this treasure in jars of clay...." Earthen vessels. Simple clay pots. Fragile and flawed. You and me. What a paradox. Power in clay pots. Why would God place His priceless treasure in such vessel? "To show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us (2 Cor. 4:7b)." Like Mary's expensive perfume (Jn.12:3), the aroma of Christ inside our heart cannot be experienced by others until it is poured out.
And often, God's way of pouring out that fragrance is to break the earthen vessel that holds it. Are you being broken today through the trials you are facing? God just wants to pour out Christ's fragrance in you that others might know Him. Just as the Father willed it for His Son to be broken that we might have life, so we will be broken so that our lives become a vessel of His glory and grace sharing His life to others!
True power exists in paradox, the most significant of which occured two thousand years ago when God in the flesh died - when omnipotence surrendered to impotence. Jesus, who had the power to call angels down from heaven to destroy His enemies, didn't. Instead, He endured the shame of the cross, and "when they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats... (1 Pet. 2:23)."
Is it any wonder the cross is a stumbling block to so many people: "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Cor.1:18)." The cross. The power of God. That's where true power comes from. Power to minister effectively and impact others comes from God. But His power is not displayed as humans would display it. There are no parades of military might. No bold headlines. No press conference. No flexed muscles, or clenched fists, or angry threats.
So how God displays His power? Paul tells us in 2 Cor. 4:7a - "But we have this treasure in jars of clay...." Earthen vessels. Simple clay pots. Fragile and flawed. You and me. What a paradox. Power in clay pots. Why would God place His priceless treasure in such vessel? "To show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us (2 Cor. 4:7b)." Like Mary's expensive perfume (Jn.12:3), the aroma of Christ inside our heart cannot be experienced by others until it is poured out.
And often, God's way of pouring out that fragrance is to break the earthen vessel that holds it. Are you being broken today through the trials you are facing? God just wants to pour out Christ's fragrance in you that others might know Him. Just as the Father willed it for His Son to be broken that we might have life, so we will be broken so that our lives become a vessel of His glory and grace sharing His life to others!
Ptr. Joseph Jo (PJ)
Calvary Chapel Dumaguete
No comments:
Post a Comment