Earthen Vessels

Today’s message was written by Guest Pastor, Rev. Amy Camp.

Paul comforted the Corinthian church with these words: “We have this treasure in earthen vessels that it may be made clear that the extraordinary power may be of God and not ourselves. We are afflicted but not crushed, perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies.” (2Cor. 4:7-10)

These words comfort us today and will comfort the church in a time we will not see. I lead many grief groups, and these comforting words of scripture validate feelings of brokenness and loss and bring HOPE. Remembering that we are dust creatures from Genesis connects us to our Divine Creator/Potter.

Tears keep the clay that is us… soft and malleable. Spiritual communities where we feel safe and loved help us to grow into what we were created to be. We are given meaning in our suffering when we can help someone else. Our darkest hours in life can become our greatest asset in helping others.

Please join me in prayer: God, you are the Potter and we are your clay. Shape us, mold us, fill us, use us as your vessels of light and love, hope and joy in our world. May our bodies glorify you all our days, Amen.