Clay Pots

 

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Are clay pots just servants who labor, as others lead?

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2Ti 2:20  But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

“earth”

ostrakinos

1) earthen, clay

       a) with the added suggestion of frailty

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Same or equal?

We are taught that all members of the body of Christ have roles, some as the head, some as the hands, some as the feet, etc.

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Some have visible ministries and reach millions of people.

Some do not. They just seem to go to work each day and donate to the others.

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So, does this mean there is a hierarchy of value in the service of the Lord?

We look around, and some seem successful and achieve much, and others just do not shine well. They have supporting roles, but are not considered leadership material.

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We know that all at every level are the creations of God.

Jos 6:19   But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, [are] consecrated unto the LORD: they shall come into the treasury of the LORD.

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And we are all formed from the earthen clay.

Job 33:6   Behold, I [am] according to thy wish in God’s stead: I also am formed out of the clay.

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So, if we are all the same, with just different roles, why are our lives apparently so different?

And should we see our own value reflected in our assignments on earth?

The passage from Timothy says that some are made to honor, and some to dishonor.

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Does this mean that some believers will be exalted and some disgraced, all in the will of God, for some divine reason?

If we remember the parable of the talents, one was given 10 talents, another only 5, and another one 1 talent.

The master expected more out of the one who was given 10 talents.

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Differences in fruit

The silver and gold vessels achieve much and succeed, to God’s glory.

The clay pots seem to fail, or people oppose any success they could achieve.

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The silver and gold vessels receive respect and recognition for their devotion and labor.

The clay pots seem to have no real respect, and are overlooked when credits are given out. Many can get slandered.

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The silver and gold are “in charge,” and lead.

The clay pots do the work.

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The silver and gold are greatly blessed, and share their blessings with others.

The clay pots have one problem after another, and many burdens to carry, so there is nothing much to share.

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The silver and gold are invited speakers, and many want to hear them.

No one is interested in what clay pots have to say. They stay in the shadows.

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The silver and gold are in good health, and this seems to reflect good living choices.

The clay pots may be sick, or disabled, or have physical issues.

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The silver and gold are full of hope, faith, and joy.

The clay pots suffer and get discouraged easily.

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The silver and gold are admired and accepted for their gifts.

The clay pots are told they are “not anointed,” but are to serve and support those who do have gifts.

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So, the silver and gold have honor.

The clay pots have dishonor.

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Why?

If we are all created the same, or are we?

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Thoughts

1. Silver and gold vessels are for a time and a season. So are the clay pots.

2. Even though their assignments are different, they are equal in value before the Lord, even when some experience dishonor.

3. We are all clay from our creation.

4. We are on the potter’s wheel, and God can turn a clay pot into a silver or gold vessel, and a gold or silver vessel into a clay pot.

5. If you have honor and joy early in your life, you may dishonor and sorrow later.

6. If you have pain and suffering and disgrace early in your life, you may have honor and joy later.

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Advice:

For those who are silver or gold vessels now, do not look down on the clay pots, for they may be exalted later, and achieve more than you do now.

And for those who are clay pots now, do not be jealous of, or frustrated by, the silver and gold vessels, for they may suffer more later than you do now.

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Circumstances can change quickly for anyone. Life is full of change, and we are all more fragile than we think.

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Jesus / Yeshua was a clay pot.

He was born in a manger, and hunted by the king, who wanted to kill him.

He had no public stature and came from a humble family.

He had no degrees, and the leaders were jealous of him, and discredited him.

They finally had him killed.

His friends deserted him when he was in danger, and he was beaten and killed.

No one came to rescue him.

He spoke of things holy and valuable, and many did not believe him.

He worked hard, but never received a salary. Everything he did, he did for free.

He died in disgrace.

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But the  life of Jesus had the greatest value, and because of Him, we are saved, and have eternal life.

And now the Father God has exalted him to honor and power.

Let us always give thanks for the clay pots who work for the kingdom.