Power and Capacity That Amazes The Angels

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." (2 Corinthians 4:7)

Does not the term “earthen vessels” bring to mind the image of a clay pot? Can you not think of a better metaphor for an earthen vessel than that? Both are made from the dirt of the ground. Both are shaped and formed. Both have the function of maintaining and sustaining life. Both have strength in that they can hold an incredible amount and can weather the elements of every storm. Time and circumstance will produce cracks and chips. The dirt that made both the earthen vessel and the clay pot shall return to the earth. Whether it’s the Old Testament “ruwach” or the New Testament “pneuma” the earthen vessel and the clay pot are both spirit filled, be it breath, wind or air, or the mystical and divine 3rd person of the Triune. Which leads us back to what Paul said.

We have “this treasure” in earthen vessels. The treasure is the spirit. Our spirit. His spirit.

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19)

In fact, both body and spirit are not our own but rather belong to God. Both have been bought and paid for by Jesus Christ at the cross.

But let’s stay on point. Think about it. Both the excellency and power of the earthen vessel, us, that clay pot, is of God. Remember when President Obama said, “You didn’t build that”? He was right. We didn’t build it, whatever “it” may be. God did. The spirit within us, the comingling of the Holy Spirit with our spirit generates the capacity and power to do, to be, to will. This enables all things to be possible through Christ who strengthens us when we ask in His name and ask according to His will.

This is such an amazing miracle, that we as clay pots, because we are filled with the Holy Spirit, are able to move mountains, go to the moon, fend off the fiery darts of the enemy, and saves us from the adversary the devil who walks the earth as a roaring lion seeking out who to devour next. This is such a miracle of extreme spiritual proportions that the angels and the divine powers and principalities desire to witness it.

“And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God” (Ephesians 3:9-10)

The power and glory that followed the suffering of Christ, the Holy Ghost, sent down from heaven and revealed in us, empowering us, “which things the angels desire to look into” (1 Peter 5:12)

Realize the power and capacity we have through Christ. Realize that this is so fantastic that the powers to be in heaven want to watch. But with great power, comes great responsibility. This is why 

Peter told us:

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 5:13-16)

OK you bunch of clay pots. You are fragile and breakable on your own. But you’re filled with the Holy Spirit. You have access to unlimited power and capacity. Ask and you will receive. Knock and that door will open. This is going to be great! The angels and all the heavenly beings are in awe of what you and our Lord, working together can do and accomplish. It’s truly amazing!

Bill Hitchcock