Yes, of clay. Simple products of earthen material. Clay, molded and fired into jars and lamps. I have one. It’s a lamp from Jerusalem of Jesus’ time. It’s tiny. I can hold it in the palm of my hand. There’s only room for a small amount of precious oil, which will give sufficient evening light for a diminutive Israeli home. My clay oil lamp is fragile and could easily be broken.

Like me. And you. Yes, we’re built strong by the Lord. Fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139: 14). Yet any kind of curve ball such as divorce, financial collapse, cancer, you name it can flatten us out, reminding us how vulnerable we are. At any moment, the rug can be pulled out from under us.

I know. It’s happened to me and made me weary and leary. Looking over my shoulder more than I’d like to. Seeing who or what sort of double-trouble gains ground on me. Will God allow something fierce to terrorize me? Again? No guarantees that I know of. Terrible things can happen to God’s good people. Faithful followers who get blindsided by tragedy of the worst kind. You know what I mean.

Reading 2 Corinthians 4: 7-12, I’m encouraged by what the Apostle Paul writes. He talks about a treasure that we’ve been given. Verse 6 tells us about this precious find–it’s knowing the glory of God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, which is something no money can buy. Salvation is given to God’s own. Our Christmas gift from God Almighty.

And it comes by faith alone. No backbreaking work is required to achieve it. No balance sheet with more in our favor than not. Only a seeking, believing heart that means business with God. Asking for what He’s so willing to give us. Salvation. Forgiveness. A faithful life worth living. And much, much more. All of the above can never be snatched away for His own. Never still means never.

Where is this treasure? In us. We become a new person. Hardhearted, vengeful, unforgiving emotions become tender and loving. Our goals in life shift us to a new track. Not all at once but we’re heading in God’s direction. Yes, even for broken, beat-up, weak, and fragile folk like present company included. You and me! We’re in…with Jesus!

Sounds odd, but we’re just the kind of people that the Lord loves to put to work for Himself. Those humbled by tough times. Jars and lamps made of delicate clay who know how little we have to offer Him. Yet, more to the point, how much more He wants to give us and do through us. Let Jesus fill you with His oil, the tiny and fragile vessels that we are, to do all we’re designed to do for the Potter.

Get busy for Him. Relax. Fear not. Enjoy Him. Always praise and thank the source of all our blessings. Too tough to do? Are you kidding? This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine. Little or not, let’s do it together.

Thank you, Jesus, for a life worth living. Amen.