In his second letter to Timothy, Paul wrote. . .
“(20) Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. (21) Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:20-21 ESV)
As we look around our homes we see items for various uses, some of which have more value to us than others. However, it was not about what might be contained within one’s house, but what is contained within the house of a life that Paul was noting! The usefulness of the vessel of our life is determined by what it contains. We may try to look good on the outside and even place labels on our life, but is all of that true to what is contained within? What flows from us? Is it honorable? Is it holy? For the Lord to be the Master over our life, is what is contained within us suitable for the good works He desires to do through us?
I’M HIS VESSEL!
(Carl Hanson, September 19, 1989)
A vessel may be fancy or simple,
Be for noble or ignoble use,
But the fact remains what’s put inside it
Is the only thing it can produce.
For the label without will mean nothing
If what’s inside’s not one and the same.
What pours forth reveals the pot’s usefulness
And value without further claim.
Think of the men Jesus called out
To follow and learn after Him
(fishermen, toll-taker, tentmaker)
To proclaim the “Good News” to all men.
They were pliable in the hand of the Master
And the Lord saw what they could be.
Their hearts were transformed to be servants,
But humble submission’s the key.
As I look at myself in my weakness
And wonder what good I could be
I remember the Treasure within me
Through which, from my sins, I’m set free,
And how that Treasure should pour forth
So that others around me may see
The surpassing greatness and power
Of God that is working in me.
Writing to Christians at Paul wrote. . .
“(20) Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, (21) to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV)
May we remain His vessel for honorable and holy use!
Have a great day FILLED BY GOD TO SERVE HIS PURPOSES!
Carl
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