“… the things that are unseen are eternal.”

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, ESV)

This is a timely reminder for me. In today’s Scripture reading (2 Cor. 4, for the New Testament portion), Paul speaks about his ministry. He stresses that the Gospel is not about him or any of his fellow workers, but rather about Christ. Everything he does, all the trials he goes through, all the physical torments he’s endured are all to proclaim Christ in power and in truth.

Paul also reminds his readers that it is not his power, but God’s – we are all but crude earthen vessels: unattractive, fragile, and unworthy. But God has chosen His children, flawed though we may be, and placed within us a treasure beyond compare: God Himself has chosen us as His dwelling place!

And so, “we do not lose heart.” Even though I fail, even though I reflect His perfect glory in a chipped and damaged mirror, still His Spirit dwells within me, a pearl beyond price, a treasure more beautiful than gold or diamonds.

My outer being is cracked and worn, an unassuming and drab earthen vessel. What people can see of me is slowly being worn away, aging and decaying – and that’s normal. That’s OK. I know that I am only a sojourner and pilgrim on an earth that is not my home. This is a momentary affliction, transient and finite.

But that which is within me is eternal and glorious! By God’s grace, His Spirit within me is changing and molding me so that one day I really will be fit for the “eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” This eternal part of me shows through the cracks occasionally, trying to widen and enlarge them so that it can shine through more and more, renewing me, reviving me, remaking me in the image of Christ.

One day, the vessel will shatter, or dissolve, or disappear, and the Unseen will be Seen, and I shall behold the face of my God and Savior to be clothed in a new vessel which will perfectly reflect His infinite glory for all eternity.

How often we get caught up in the here-and-now, forgetting that we are immortal beings, created in God’s image. Some of us cannot help it because we are only crude and worthless vessels with nothing inside. The here-and-now is all these empty vessels have; it is the closest to Heaven and perfect joy they will ever come.

But those of us who are members of God’s family – God’s Chosen People, claimed and redeemed by the shed blood of His Son – must look beyond what we can see and touch and taste and feel. We must live for and remember our infinitely greater hope: this is the closest to Hell we will ever come, for the Treasure within us will one day break free, and

…no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Cor. 2:9)

Thus, the question is: What is hidden in your earthly, worn, flawed vessel? Is it more of the same? Or is it the glorious treasure of God’s Spirit dwelling within you? Are you a vessel destined for destruction? Or have you placed yourself into the Potter’s hand so that He may transform you into a worthy vessel to bear the weight of glory beyond comprehension?

Christian, do not lose heart. The way can be hard, you may be discouraged, but God has promised to complete His good work in you. Continue in the race, take up your cross, do the work He has laid before you, and follow diligently after Him, for it is God’s plan and His power working in you to do His good pleasure.

Christian, do not lose heart. The God of all truth has given His promise, and He will fulfill it. The Day has been appointed, and He will return for His own.

And then,

this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”

Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!

(crossposted from CatHouseChat)