Hidden Treasure: You Are a Vessel, Not Just an Instrument

I AM Not an Instrument. I AM a Vessel

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” – 2 Corinthians 4:7 (KSB)

Hidden in Plain Sight

The image that Paul presents in 2 Corinthians 4 is that of a treasure hidden within an earthen vessel. In the Old Testament, people didn’t have locks, alarm systems, or cameras to protect their valuables. Instead, their belongings were often left exposed, making them vulnerable to thieves and robbers. To safeguard their most valuable treasures, they would hide them in jars of clay—earthen vessels—placing them in plain sight. A thief or robber would never think to look there because it wasn’t an obvious hiding place.

Likewise, God has placed something valuable inside of you—a treasure of great worth. Yet, people often fail to see it. You may be right in front of them, but they don’t recognize your gifts, skills, talents, anointing, abilities, or sensitivities. You are hidden in plain sight because what’s inside of you is not immediately obvious to the naked eye.

Many times, people judge by outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. People tend to focus so much on the external that they overlook the internal. Jesus spoke to the scribes, chief priests, and elders, saying, “You clean the outside of the cup and the platter, but inside, they are full of filth.” He compared them to beautiful graveyards and gravestones that looked impressive on the outside but were full of dead men’s bones within.

It is crucial to recognize what is inside. There is something so strong within you that must manifest outwardly. Yet, many remain hidden in plain sight because others focus only on surface-level details—your age, race, gender, education level, socioeconomic status, credit history, or even your past mistakes. They fail to see the treasure inside of you.

But God is calling you to look beyond the surface and see the depth of what’s within. Stop discarding people—there is treasure inside them.

Truth Hidden in Deception

Paul reminds us that even in lies, deception, and falsehood, there is truth. Too often, we discard entire situations because of dishonesty or betrayal. But in doing so, we miss the lesson God is teaching us.

There is truth in every deception. There is truth in every lie. Sometimes, God allows us to experience deception so that we can learn something we wouldn’t have otherwise. Through deception, we learn truths about ourselves, about God, about people, and about life.

Light Hidden in Darkness

Even in darkness, there is light. The Bible says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness covered the face of the deep. But out of the darkness, God called forth light, saying, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”

No matter how dark a situation seems, there is always light hidden within it. The sun shines as a greater light, while the moon reflects a lesser light, but both are still light. Sometimes, we try to discard our darkness, not realizing that light is hidden within it—right in plain sight.

Treasure Hidden in Trash

Many times, we throw away people, places, and things, labeling them as trash, when in reality, there is treasure hidden within them. As long as a person is still on this earth, they still have purpose and destiny, regardless of where they have been or what they have done.

What you may see as a cracked pot or a broken vessel, God sees as valuable. The oil seeps through the cracks, revealing that there is still treasure within what others call trash.

God is the Ultimate Recycler

People may discard and reject you, but God never does. Where others see waste, God sees worth. Where others see brokenness, God sees potential. Even what people meant for evil, God uses for your good.

God is the ultimate recycler. He does not waste anything—not even the mess, the mistakes, or the manure of life. Fertilizer comes from waste, and growth comes from struggle.

There is treasure hidden in plain sight—you just have to open your eyes to see it.

Hiding in Plain Sight – (2 Corinthians 4:7)

1. Truth in Deception (verses 1-2)
2. Light in Darkness (verses 3-6)
3. Treasure in Trash (verse 7)

Reflection Question: What is your favorite instrument? And more importantly, how are you choosing to be a vessel for God’s divine purpose?