Glorious Treasure / 2023
Mixed Media Collage on Canvas
24" X 36"
In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul explains that as Christians, we are to proclaim the light of Jesus Christ in this dark and broken world. As I worked on this piece I knew I was creating a “jars of clay” painting but was not sure what the end result would be. I had taken a photo of a large clay pot on my back patio to paint. I painted it and then stopped after the big crack was added, frustrated and not sure how to move forward with a simple clay pot. I worked and reworked it slightly changing the color of the pot and the light direction, still not pleased with the results. Once I finally gave up, stopped striving and listened for direction from the Holy Spirit, He shifted my focus to creating the treasure. The painting quickly began to come alive!
In 2 Corinthians 4:7 Paul uses figurative language to say that we are common clay jars, created from dust and clay yet we possess the brilliant light of God’s glory, Jesus Christ, and carry Him as treasure in our being. The outward vessel is not as important as the glorious treasure within. The scripture continues:
“Though we experience every kind of pressure, we’re not crushed. At times we don’t know what to do, but quitting is not an option. We are persecuted by others, but God has not forsaken us. We may be knocked down, but not out. We continually share in the death of Jesus in our own bodies so that the resurrection life of Jesus will be revealed through our humanity. We consider living to mean that we are constantly being handed over to death for Jesus’ sake so that the life of Jesus will be revealed through our humanity. So, then, death is at work in us but it releases life in you.”
(2 Corinthians 4:8-11 TPT)
No matter what you are walking through right now, remember…when you belong to Jesus Christ the Potter, you are HIS vessel and He is working within you. Every trial may add another crack in your outward appearance but as you learn to lean into Him, the light will grow brighter and brighter within you until the light of His presence becomes “Glorious Treasure” bursting forth to touch others.
Reference Scripture
2 Corinthians 4: 1-11 TPT