An Empty Vessel

A few days ago, a random, yet intriguing thought crossed my mind; and I would like to share it with you today. So, here it goes...

It all began with a question: "How effective is a substance in its pure form, when it's poured into a jar that is already half-full with a different substance?" In other words, would the existing substance within the jar to begin with, hinder the effectiveness and/or concentration of the substance that was poured into it later? Well, I'm no chemist; but I'm pretty sure it would.

Here's another way to put it; (this time using different imagery):

Picture a jar clay, filled half-way with a yellow-colored liquid. Then, someone comes along, and decides to pour a white substance into the jar, in its purest, most  concentrated form. What would you say would happen to it? Let's see: It would inevitably get mixed in with the yellow-colored substance, and lose some of its concentration and effectiveness. Wouldn't you agree?

So, what must be done in order for the white substance to retain its initial properties, and conserve its full level of concentration and effectiveness?

"The solution?"-you ask. Well, it's simple really. Before the white substance can be poured into the jar, the yellow-colored liquid must be poured out. The jar must be emptied completely. And then, it must be rinsed thoroughly with water, to erase any trance of the yellow-colored liquid. Then-and only then-can the jar be filled with the white substance, without compromising its level of concentration and/or effectiveness.

That is all fine and dandy. "But what is your point?"-you may ask. Well, I thought it would be neat to use such imagery, and apply it to our lives, with respect to our willingness to make ourselves available to be used by God as vessels to bless others. Vessels to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Vessels to serve the Lord in His redemptive work. Vessels to love and serve one another. Vessels to minister healing to His people, and the message of salvation to the a lost and self-destructive world, and deliverance from the all-too familiar guilt of sin. Vessels of intercession for one another before the Lord as we step out into a world to which we no longer belong. A world that is full of rocks and stumbling blocks; but all of which can be set aside or overcome through Jesus Christ. For the Word of the Lord declares that we have victory in Jesus Christ. And we as His people must believe it, receive it, and truly take possession of the victory that belongs to us as God's redeemed people.

We must also be vessels of encouragement; strengthening each other in the faith, and lending a shoulder to the brokenhearted. Vessels of compassion and mercy towards others, and so on. But before we can do all that, we must daily empty ourselves of the "self" in each and everyone of us, (remember the yellow-colored liquid?), and allow God to pour into the anointing and the "substance" that we need to fulfill the plans and the purpose that He has for each and everyone of us. 

I realize that emptying ourselves of our "selves," and completely surrendering our lives to God, is not an easy task to accomplish. Surrendering our dreams, our aspirations, our future, and our plans into the hands of God, requires trust, faith, and selflessness. Serving Him in complete surrender is a daily feat, that can only be accomplished through, in, and with Christ. But it's not without its rewards. Those who endure until the end, bringing Jesus glory and serving Him faithfully, shall certainly receive the crown of victory, and have eternal life in Christ Jesus.

In closing, it is my most sincere and heartfelt prayer to the Lord our God, that we may  truly be empty vessels in His hands, to be used for the glory of His Holy Name!

It is in the precious name of Jesus that I pray,

Amen and Amen!

All glory, honor, and praise be to God!

From Everlasting to Everlasting!

Amen & Amen!