“We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure” (2 Corinthians 4:7). The light Paul is talking about is God’s glory, which he says is reflected in the face of Jesus. This was God’s intention for all of us all along – He made us in His image so we would reflect His likeness in the world. But we’ve all sinned (Romans 3:23) and therefore disfigured, broken, that reflection. We’re ashamed and we hide under the cover of darkness. Without God in our lives, we’re all just broken pots in the dark.
Jesus calls His followers “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). When we reject our sinful ways and turn to God, the Bible says He rescues us from the darkness and causes us to live in the light (Colossians 1:12-13). His light fills us so we can once again be His image-bearers.
Jesus goes on to say, “No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house” (Matthew 5:15). How can the light shining in our hearts get out and give light to everyone in the house? It happens because we are broken pots. Through those very cracks and broken places sin caused, the light of God’s glory that is within us shines out. It blazes forth to reach others who are in darkness. When they see that God can bring light into our darkest places, it gives hope that God will do the same for them, which results in praise to the Father in Heaven.
Imagine yourself as a piece of pottery that is whole, complete, intact. Then pressure, trials, disappointments come along and cracks appear. The pressure causes the cracks to spread apart, the vessel to expand. This happens again and again. Every trial leaves behind traces of itself, colors us. Then the Artist comes in. He doesn’t overwrite our experiences. He redeems them. He fills the empty and broken spaces. So now the vessel is made whole again. And He also places the light of His glory inside of us. It shines forth through our experiences. Our trials and brokenness cause us to become beautiful masterpieces of stained glass and light.