Daily Encouragement For February 09:

I Need A Vessel

The Master was in search of a vessel, a vessel that He could use to hold something very valuable. He looked on a shelf and found many, “I need a vessel, which one will it be?”

There stood the gold vessel, perfectly shaped and sized, there was not a blemish to be seen in sight. The gold vessel cried, “Take me, I am shiny and bright, I am of great value and I will be just right. My beauty and sheen will outshine them all, just choose me Master and I will be the best of the best.”

The Master stood for a moment, said not a word then moved on to the silver vessel, it was narrow and tall and beautifully trimmed with diamonds. The silver vessel cried, “Oh Master, You are so divine, just choose me and I will be Yours til the end of time. My shape is so graceful, I shine through and through, my beauty will always compliment You.”

The Master had nothing to say and moved on to the brass vessel, it was wide and shallow, and polished like glass. “Oh Master, I am the one, I know I will do, just choose me and I will be the one all will view.”

“Look at me!” Called the crystal vessel, which was cut to perfection. “You can see right through me, I have nothing to hide. Although I am easy to break I will serve You so great, give me a chance and with much pride I am sure to abide. Just choose me and I know that I am the one who will be the best.

The Master said not a word, passed right by the crystal vessel and moved on to the wood. It was beautifully polished and carved just right and solid, nothing could move this vessel. “If You choose me Master, I will do, but give me the fruit and not the bread.”

Then the Master looked down on the ground and saw a clay vessel, it was broken and dull. He picked it up. The clay vessel bowed it's head and said, “Oh Master, I am nothing to choose, I am broken and cannot shine like the rest.”

The Master said, “It is you that I choose, I will mend you, clean you up, and make you whole. It is you who I will use to hold the good news of my Son on the cross.”

“I do not need a vessel who chooses what it wants to carry. I do not need a vessel who shows it's contents so proud. I do not need a vessel who thinks it's the best. I do not need a vessel who is big and loud.
I do not need a vessel who just sits on the shelf. I do not need a vessel with pride of itself. I do need a vessel who is willing to let me clean it, polish it, and make it My Own, to carry the Gospel for all to know.”

“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work... And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” - 2 Timothy 2:19-21,24-26.