Calling All Cracked Pots
Pastor Richard Hall
Midland SDA Church
August 4, 2018
I. Introduction:
A. During my years as a student at Southwestern Adventist University, I was also a member of the Keene Volunteer Fire Department.
Show photo of me in uniform
I’ve always been intrigued by fire! I put that interest to good use by helping other people when the fire alarm rang.
All the area volunteer fire departments had a yearly friendly competition of fire drills.
I was selected by our city fire department to participate.
Explain the drill. My job was to connect the large fire hose coming from the fire hydrant to the fire truck. Other volunteers were stretching out the 1- ½ inch fire line and running to a predetermined spot with the hose.
These were timed events. The department with the fastest time won.
Explain what happened!
When I thought I had the hose connected – I shouted – Hit it! The man at the hydrant turned on the water! My hose connection was not on good enough and it blew off – soaking me with high pressure water! L
I blew it!
Show the photo of fire truck water and me!
Because of my mistake, our team was out of the competition. I let my teammates and my department down! That is a tough pill to swallow!
B. The Apostle Paul knew what it was like to experience failure and dejection.
II Corinthians 4:7-11 – read it.
Vs. 7 – But we have this treasure in earthen vessels…
God looks at us as treasure in earthen vessels, but I have to say that day at the fire department competition – I felt more like a cracked pot that has no value!
C. Japanese photo and philosophy:
I really like what the Japanese say about cracked pots:
Show the photo:
More beautiful after being broken: Repaired with Gold.
Have there been times in your life when you felt like a cracked pot?
It is God’s plan to make this weak vessel the recipient and retainer of the greatest of treasures!
God’s plan: fill us with His treasure!
D. To those crossing the desert, water is of supreme value. To those living in darkness, light is of supreme value. To those facing death, life is of supreme value.
To mortal man, the Gospel Treasure is all of these – living water, the light of the world, and eternal life.
II. Troubled on Every Side:
A. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 contain four pairs of contrasts.
On the one side they illustrate the frailty of the earthen vessel, and on the other the excellency of the power of God despite this frailty.
First Contrast: vs. 8 says: We are hard-pressed on every side – yet not crushed.
Paul knew from first-hand experience what he was talking about.
2 Corinthians 11:24 – 27 – read it.
Paul had some rough times – didn’t he? Yet – he was discouraged. He understood: Satan attacks from every direction possible.
Sometimes those attacks come from within the church!
For Paul: it was the religious leaders that had him in their crosshairs – they wanted him dead because he was making them look bad!
As a pastor – I have been verbally attacked from within the church family several times over the years. I’ve been physically attacked once.
In military terms: Friendly Fire – when soldiers are killed or wounded by their own army.
We must remember that when we are: hard-pressed on every side – The Lord will not allow us to be crushed!
Second Contrast: vs. 8 says: We are perplexed – yet not in despair.
Paul had often found himself in situations where, from a human point of view, there was no way out.
All of us have had times in our lives when things happened that we didn’t understand why. We are perplexed: Why did God allow this to happen in my life?
This is the age-old question: Why do bad things happen to good people?
· Why did my loved one die?
· Why did I loose my job?
· Why does everything seem to be going wrong?
Third Contrast: vs. 9 says: persecuted – but not forsaken.
Paul reminds us that we are loved by God and that He will never leave us!
Psalm 37:25 – David writes: “I have been young and now am old; Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor His descendants begging for bread.”
Hebrews 13:5 – Paul is quoting Jesus who says: “ I will never leave you or forsake you.”
For the Christian in times of trial and persecution, certain divine truths are evident. However great the trials encountered, they are not beyond endurance!
Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
No Christian should be discouraged – even when stripped of everything of earthly value – our greatest treasure remains secure – beyond the reach of men and demons!
Fourth Contrast: vs. 9 says: struck down – but not destroyed.
Illustration:
On April 17, 1909, one of the longest fights in boxing history took place. It was held in Paris.
Boxers Joe Jeanette and Sam McVey fought each other for the WBO heavyweight title. The fight lasted 49 rounds.
Joe Jeanette was knocked down a total of 27 times during the course of the fight. Yet, each time, he got to his feet.
In the 19th round, he was knocked down five times. Everyone thought he was finished. Yet he got back to his feet and made it through the most difficult round of his boxing career.
Finally, in the 49th round, McVey could fight no more and Joe Jeanette was declared the winner and the WBO heavyweight champion of the world.
Boxer Joe Jeanette refused to stay down on the canvas every time he was knocked down. He refused to accept that he was destined for defeat.
Paul had been knocked down, thrown out, and left for dead. He had stories to tell of God’s providence on his behalf.
III. Conclusion:
A. 2018 has already had difficult times that we have all faced. I have heard some of your challenges:
· Family problems
· Work problems
· Health issues
· Problems with children
· Financial difficulties
When we get knocked down – the Lord promises: It’s not over yet – and He gets us back on our feet!
B. Devotional book: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
A. Jesus says: Let Me fill you with My love, joy, and peace. Though you are an earthen vessel, I designed you to be filled with heavenly contents!
Your weakness is not a deterrent to being filled with My Power to shine forth more brightly.
As you go through this day, trust Me to provide the strength you need moment by moment. Don’t waste energy wondering whether you are adequate for today’s journey.
My Spirit within you is more than sufficient to handle whatever this day may bring. That is the basis for your confidence!
In quietness (spending time alone with Me) and confident trust (relying on My sufficiency) is your strength.
B. Desire of Ages, 297
“He who called the fishermen of Galilee is still calling men to His service. And He is just as willing to manifest His power through us as through the first disciples. However imperfect and sinful we may be, the Lord holds out to us the offer of partnership with Himself - of apprenticeship to Christ. He invites us to come under divine instruction, that, uniting with Christ, we may work the works of God.”
C. We have this treasure in earthen vessels. We don’t have to consider ourselves damaged goods. We are the Temple of the Holy Spirit and God promises to work in us.
Isaiah 40:31 – Those who hope in the Lord shall renew their strength… READ IT.
Song: He will give the weary strength – Isaiah 40:31