We Have This Treasure in Earthen Vessels
Fine art reproduction note card with Bible text calligraphy
Depicting a potter at work at his wheel, We Have This Treasure in Earthen Vessels is an 11" X 14" drawing in pen & ink, accented with calligraphy of the Bible text 2 Corinthians 4:7 ("We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves").
With simplicity, it presents the basic truth that, for those who are in Christ, the power manifest in their lives and ministry must have reference to God, and not to man. But, the only way for God to accomplish this work in us is to break down and remove the old man, so that the life of Christ might be seen instead.
The severe mercy of God
When a person comes to the Lord in salvation, even though "he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come" (2 Corinthians 5:17), he is still, in many ways, a man of flesh, a babe in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:1). Though not strictly a "mere man" (1 Corinthians 3:4) — if he truly is in Christ and passes the test (2 Corinthians 13:5) — he still walks like a mere man (1 Corinthians 3:3). He needs to grow up in Christ, and endure the discipline of the Lord (Hebrews 12:7). For, "He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His [own] holiness" (Hebrews 12:10).
In this context, Paul wrote of being "afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifest in our body" (2 Corinthians 4:8-10). This note card reminds us that the measure of our lives in an indwelling Lord, not man.
I chose the metaphor of the potter to express this, because the Lord uses the trials and pressures placed upon us — much like the pressure exerted by the potter working the clay — to mold us into something that can demonstrate the greatness of His power. It's through the discipline of the Lord that the many layered aspects of the flesh are exposed and dealt with, so that we are formed into vessels useful for the Lord's service.
We Have This Treasure in Earthen Vessels note card details
The We Have This Treasure in Earthen Vessels note card is a limited-run printing, reproduced from the original pen & ink drawing by the award-winning Christian artist, Tom Anson. (It was a very small award.) Printed on high quality parchment paper, this note card measures 6.25" x 4.5", with a top fold. The inside is blank for your personal message. (This notecard runs through most printers very well.)
Suitable for matting and framing (at approximately 8" x 10"), it is also available individually, hand-colored by the artist.
Whether used for your personal greetings or to add a nice accent to any room, the We Have This Treasure in Earthen Vessels note card is almost certain to be received well, and it makes a great gift, too.
Pack of 6 note cards, with matching envelopes.
