Two notable analogies in the Bible include being clay in God’s hands (Jeremiah 18:3-6) and the treasure in jars of clay (2 Corinthians 4:5-12).
The Bible also depicts the Lord as a potter, an image worth further consideration. Isa. 64:8, KJV: “O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” Jeremiah 18:6: “Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand.” This metaphor illustrates how individuals can be used by God for His purposes, akin to containers used for holding substances. In 2 Timothy Chapter 2, the concept of using our human vessel for God’s purposes is explored.
A human vessel refers to someone willing to be used by God for any purpose He deems fit. In Rom. 9:21 and 23, Paul emphasizes that we are vessels of clay designed to contain the glory of God. He is the Potter, and we are the clay; each one of us is made in a particular way for specific purposes.
The term “vessel” appears a total of 202 times in the King James version of the Bible, specifically 46 times as “vessel” and 154 times as “vessels”.
When considering clay pots of wine, several scenarios come to mind.
What happens to a bottle of wine if not stored properly?
It will evaporate some. If the cork is never opened to enjoy its contents, it will lose some essence over time. Similarly, if we do not share the goodness of God—His power and love—we lose a little every day.
It will sour. Without opening the cork to enjoy the contents, the wine turns rancid, bitter, and unusable. Our spiritual walk with God follows similar principles; without Him, our lives turn unpleasant and bitter. Consuming something fermented or rotten results in an instinctive reaction to spit it out. Once soured or embittered, remediation requires cleaning out and recycling.
What can we do to become a useful vessel for the kingdom of God? POP THE CORK!
Opening the cork of our vessel can lead to three outcomes.
First, the vessel can be cleaned. Jesus sacrificed Himself to cleanse us from sins not just for cleanliness but to fill us with His presence. Holiness and Cleansing: To be a vessel of honor, useful to God, one must cleanse oneself from anything dishonorable or misaligned with His will. 2 Timothy 2:21 states, “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.“
Secondly, the bottle can be refilled. God can replenish our spirits daily if we allow Him to. However, one cannot refill a closed bottle or an unopened cork. Receive God’s Filling! Receive God’s Power! The ultimate goal of God’s filling us is not merely to make us better individuals but to transform us into vessels capable of expressing His glory.
Thirdly, and the best of the outcomes, is to pour out God’s power, love and spirit to others! To “pour out” effectively, one must first be filled with God’s Spirit, which means consciously inviting God’s presence to occupy one’s entire being.
But beware if you pop the cork without protection! If you are not prepared and protected the Devil might attempt to empty the contents. Destruction occurs if permitted. If you are being cleansed, filled and pouring out to others, the devil hates that. The devil seeks to demolish and destroy everything God has filled you with so you cannot be used for His Glory! That is why it is so important to protect yourself with the amor of God everyday! Don’t believe the devil when he whispers to you… “you are not worthy”, “you are not capable”, because are worthy, you are capable. GOD makes you both!
Popping the cork in God’s name brings forth Power, Joy, Victory, and the profound ability to share the Holy Spirit’s transformative power with others.
Pouring out the contents of your vessel for God means allowing His power and presence to work through you to fulfill His divine purposes. What is poured out includes the Holy Spirit, God’s grace, His strength, and the Gospel message. This act reflects God’s life-giving presence flowing within us and reaching out to others. Pouring out is an intentional effort to let God’s influence shape and impact the world around us. It is a process that relies not on personal strength but on God’s power shining through our human weaknesses.
The Master’s Vessel (author unknown)
The Master sought a vessel to use; among many options, which would He choose? “Take me,” cried the gold vessel, “I’m shiny, bright, valuable, and perfect for You.” The Master passed by without comment, considering a silver urn, “I’ll serve You, dear Master, gracefully pouring Your drink whenever needed.” The Master moved past a brass vessel, wide-mouthed and polished like glass, “Place me on Your table for all men to view.” A crystal goblet called out next, “My transparency reveals my precious contents; though fragile, I will serve You proudly.” The Master then noticed a wooden bowl, polished and solid, “Use me, dear Master, preferably for fruit, not bread.” Finally, the Master found a vessel of clay, empty and broken. It hoped against hope the Master might choose it to cleanse and use. “Ah! This is the vessel I’ve been searching for; I shall mend, use, and make it Mine.” The Master did not seek a proud or narrow vessel nor one loud or overly display it. He chose the plain earthy vessel filled with His power and might.
Gently lifting the clay vessel, He mended and cleansed it, speaking kindly, “Pour out to others as I pour into you.”
What type of vessel do you see yourself as? Are you proud and outwardly impressive? Do you attempt to dictate to God how you believe your vessel should serve? Or are you humble, fully aware of your imperfections, yet still open and willing to be used for His purpose?
Never let the devil deceive you into thinking that your role is insignificant just because it isn’t in the spotlight; every contribution is vital in God’s kingdom!
The beauty of being a vessel of God lies in His unmatched ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. By surrendering ourselves and accepting His filling, we allow His divine grace to flow through us, shaping us into instruments capable of addressing the world’s deepest needs. Even the smallest offering, when placed in God’s hands, takes on a significance far beyond anything we could imagine. Trusting Him enables us to transcend our limitations, becoming conduits of His love, peace, and abundant blessings. This transformation is not about our personal glory but about revealing His limitless power and compassion to a world in desperate need of hope.
You can only fully embrace God’s power when He works through you. With Him, you find true strength; without Him, you are left powerless. So, let His Spirit flow—pop the cork!
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of humility and gratitude, recognizing Your unmatched power and boundless love. I long to be a vessel through which Your grace and mercy can flow into the world. Please remove anything within me that might hinder Your work, and fill me completely with Your Holy Spirit. Guide me to be an instrument in Your hands, reflecting Your love and bearing witness to Your glory. Use me, Lord, to help bring Your kingdom closer and to share Your word with others. I surrender myself to Your will, trusting You to shape me into a vessel of beauty and purpose, pleasing in Your sight. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen
