Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:7 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels…” that is we have the treasure of Jesus Christ with the light, knowledge, and power He brings within these earthen vessels of clay, which like all vessels made of clay are weak and very fragile. In Romans 7:18 the Apostle said “…In me (that is in my flesh) northing good dwells”. Psalm 103:14 says, “He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” Even though He knows we are made of dust and are weak like the dust, He chooses “the foolish things of the world (and) the weak things” 1 Corinthians 1:27, to be filled with His power and to manifest His glory here on earth. Recognizing his fleshly weakness Paul was able to live in Christ’s strength saying in 2 Corinthians 12:19 “For when I am weak, then I am strong”, and confessing in Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Recognizing his own weakness he could glory in the power of Christ that rested on Him, (2 Corinthians 12:9). So we see this same trait in Peter in Acts 3:1-13 who had not of this world to offer the lame man, but said “what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk”, then gives all the glory to God for the miracle preformed. And so God wills for every one of us to be likeminded; what has He given to you? Jesus said “…freely you have received, freely give.”
Silver and gold or something better
By Rose Hill
Peter and John were going to the temple to pray,
When they saw a crippled man along the way.
He always would lie at the temple gate,
To get charitable gifts he would beg and wait.
Peter stopped by and the message he told,
Was that I do not have silver and gold.
But I do have power in Jesus name,
As I walk you can just the same.
The man’s feet and ankles became strong and steady,
To walk and leap and praise God he was ready.
Are you like this man looking for silver and gold,
When there are much better things God’s word has told?
As you receive God’s blessing your heart sings,
For the Lord has given more wonderful things.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission