Treasure

Brothers and sisters: We hold this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing power may be of God and not from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not constrained; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being given up to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, I believed, therefore I spoke, we too believe and therefore speak, knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence. Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 4:7-15)

For those of us who feel down and out, left out, and seemingly without hope, St. Paul’s words to the Corinthians are encouragement.  There’s optimism all the while recognizing that we are afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down.  Life is not easy to be sure, but “the life of Jesus is manifested in our bodies.”  Therefore, we are not constrained; not driven to despair; not abandoned; and not destroyed.  And why not?

We believe God raised our lord Jesus, and the same fate awaits us.  We will be in Jesus’ presence.  Of course, that is for later.  When we follow Jesus while we live – when we manifest him – the life of Jesus is relived through us “in our mortal flesh.”   We have the “same spirit of faith,” and “grace is bestowed on us in abundance.”

Following Jesus according to his commandments is a tall order, and we seldom do it well.  Nevertheless, we believe and at a minimum we are obligated to speak, like Paul.  We speak to those around us of his life and teaching: the treasure.  When we do so, we are raised and so is Jesus.

Deacon David Pierce