Today’s devotion is based on “Think Of You”, the ninth track from Laura Story’s major label debut, Great God Who Saves.

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Think of You
2 Corinthians 4: 6-8

“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

One of my favorite things to do is read through scripture to find all the endearing names God uses when referring to His children. I smile as he calls me “beloved” or “chosen” and stand amazed at the idea of being a “co-heir with Christ.” But have you ever thought about being called a cracked pot? Believe me, I was shocked to find it in there, too. How does a silly pot rank among these terms of endearment in God’s word?

As I studied this concept a little more, I found that this analogy of clay pots was no new idea. From the very beginning when God created Adam and Eve, the word “form” that is used is the same as that used to describe a potter working with clay. Again in Isaiah, God’s people are compared to clay in the hands of this Masterful Potter. But why clay? Why pots?

Although my knowledge of clay and pot making is very limited, a few simple observations may shed light on this strange comparison. What are three things that could make a clay pot valuable? First of all, value is based on the maker of the clay pot.

Though some pots may look similar, each is unique with no two exactly alike. Secondly, the value of a clay pot can be based on the contents of the pot. For instance, no one ever tries to find the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow just because it may be in a really cool pot. The contents of the pot is everything.

Last, but not least, the value of a clay pot depends on its usability. And here’s the catch: In the kingdom of God, even cracked pots are usable, because they allow light to shine through every jagged edge and seam. Though the world tends to toss out the most disfigured and fractured vases, God saves them for His centerpiece. The problem comes when we try to decide which things in life are too broken for God to fix. Could God salvage my broken marriage? Can He redeem countless years of poor decisions? As far as I know, God has never met a person who has “out-sinned” His grace. Regardless of how great our sin may be, the power of the cross is always greater. This is what the gospel is all about. Sometimes He restores us fully, right before our eyes; while other times, He shines through us in the midst of the wreckage. But He is always at work, always redeeming, always reconciling… always reminding us that cracked pots have a place in the Kingdom too.

God, remind me that in Your eyes, brokenness is beautiful.

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