We have a treasure in clay jars,
An impressive power of God;
More powerful than all the czars,
All heavenly angels applaud.
I go through trouble from all sides,
I have been perplexed but not crushed;
Not driven to despair that hides,
But a proclamation not hushed.
I am oppressed but have not ceased,
I am knocked down but not destroyed;
I am like a sheep but not fleeced,
Because His love I have enjoyed.
I carry my body in the death,
Of Jesus for giving me life;
Thoughts of Him with every breath,
Helps me for combating the strife.
I am alive, but death has knocked,
Handed to death for Jesus sake;
My mortal body is not blocked,
For knowing of what is at stake.
Death is at work in each of us,
But life is at work within you;
When the Holy Spirit as thus,
Cleanses within to construe.
Since we possess the same spirit,
Through faith as that what is written;
I believe what I inherit,
Even though others have smitten.
I believe and therefore I speak,
In knowing what I shall receive;
Because of the future I seek,
Ignoring those who would deceive.
I am doing because I know,
The Father raised Christ from the dead;
And His love will constantly flow,
Energize me whence He has bled.
Light suffering is producing,
An eternal weight of glory;
Which disables the seducing,
From what is prohibitory.
Copyright © 2018 Richard Newton Sherrer
