Lights in Clay Jars

There is a story of great battle in the Old Testament book of Judges. When we read chapter seven we see that Commander Gideon gave an order to his troops. He told them to light a torch, but to keep it in a clay jar. We read in verse 19, It was just after midnight, after the changing of the guard, when Gideon and the 100 men with him reached the edge of the Midianite camp. Suddenly they blew their rams’ horns and broke their clay jars. They began to shout, “The Sword of the Lord!” The enemies of God heard the horns blowing, the men shouting, and they saw the light shining. In confusion they ran in panic. Do such things happen today?

The answer is a resounding yes! The Apostle Paul tells us in II Corinthians 4:6-7, For God Who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made this light shine in our hearts…but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. You and I face temptations and struggles everyday. Some days are harder than others as great trials and sorrow may fall upon us. We ourselves are so fragile, just like clay jars. However, when we allow the Holy Spirit within us to break our fear, to break our pride, to break our stubbornness, to break our self reliance, then that Light within us, which is the very power of God, takes over. We can then shout in confidence, “Get thee behind me Satan!”

Our enemies must flee at the shout of the name of Jesus. Demonic forces must leave when the Light of His power shines forth from within us. Demons of jealousy, self-loathing, pride, terror, they must all turn away when the Light of Jesus is shining brightly, even from these feeble clay jars that are us. You and I are weak, but never forget, God is strong. Nothing is impossible with Him, and nothing can stand victorious before the Light of God that is within us. Jesus told us Himself in Matthew 5:16, Let your Light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father Who is in Heaven.

May we all allow the Holy Spirit to break our jars of self reliance, revealing the Light of God within. Joy and peace will be ours.