Hi Church

“We have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power

may be from God and not from us.”

2 Corinthians 4: 7

When you read the Old Testament, you find many instances of the Spirit of the Lord coming ‘upon’ a person, especially someone like a priest or a prophet, who then would speak the word of the Lord to encourage God’s people. One such instance that stands out is the story of King Jehoshophat, found in 2 Chronicles 20. In the story, Jehoshophat was feeling quite helpless and very alarmed, because a vast army was coming against him. His response was to call a fast and pray to the Lord, finishing with the phrase, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” [2 Chron.20: 12b]. Then the Bible tells us that “the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel” and that Jahaziel brought a message from the Lord, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.” Read it for yourself – the result was a stunning victory for Jehoshophat’s army, brought about by lifting God’s name above their circumstances in high praise.

So what can this story teach us, as New Testament believers? The wonderful truth is that through the saving grace of Jesus, God’s Son, whose sacrificial death and victorious resurrection we celebrate, we are recipients of a new covenant. This covenant is a binding contract that God Himself has made with us, sealing it with the atoning blood of His dear Son. The ministry of the new covenant is actually the ministry of the Holy Spirit not just around, upon, and with believers, but also inside believers. Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit to His disciples when He said, “He remains with you and will be in you” [John 14: 17].

There is a difference between the terms ‘with’ and ‘in’. The difference turned a band of fumbling scaredy-cats in the Gospel records into unparalleled powerhouses in the book of Acts and beyond. And the same work of the Spirit applies to us. The new covenant is an inward work with glorious manifestations. So when you don’t know what to do, remember Who is actually living inside you. A treasure in clay jars indeed!

In His great love,

Kevin and Marilyn