From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Tue, Mar 11, 2025 at 6:01 AM

Subject: 3-11-25 THOUGHTS

3-11-25   THOUGHTS

I chose the Message Bible for our reading this morning.  It is a paraphrase, please read it from a good word for word translation also.  Our reading speaks of the “unadorned  clay pots of our ordinary lives.”  Other translations use “earthen vessels.”  People must see God and His power and not attribute anything to us.  This text says that  “Christ is the best picture of God that we’ll ever get.”   In this PROCLAIMING OF THE MESSAGE mode, Paul says we are but  “messengers, errand runners from Jesus” as we tell the story of our Lord Jesus.  John 1:18    No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained [Him.]

2Cor 4:3-7 MB    If our Message is obscure to anyone, it’s not because we’re holding back in any way. No, it’s because these other people are looking or going the wrong way and refuse to give it serious attention.  4  All they have eyes for is the fashionable god of darkness. They think he can give them what they want, and that they won’t have to bother believing a Truth they can’t see. They’re stone-blind to the dayspring brightness of the Message that shines with Christ, who  gives us the best picture of God we’ll ever get.   5  Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. 6  It started when God said, "Light up the darkness!" and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful. 7  If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That’s to prevent anyone from confusing God’s incomparable power with us.
 
My Prayer:

Father, as clay pot- earthen vessels, help us to lovingly and humbly carry out our speaking role in proclaiming Your glory and the message of the Christ.  Keep us from holding back, or looking or going the wrong way.  Keep us from darkness, in all of its forms. Fill us with Your light, O God.     In the name of our Lord Jesus,   Amen.