The Potter’s Vessel
The Master was searching for a vessel to use,
On a shelf there were many,
Which one would He choose?
Pick me, cried the gold one,
I’m shiny and bright,
I’m of great value,
And do things just right.
My beauty and luster will outshine the rest
And for someone like You, I would be the best.
But the Master passed on with no word at all,
And came to an urn, silver and tall.
I’ll serve you dear Master, and I’ll pour Your wine,
And be at Your table whenever you dine.
My lines are so graceful, my carvings so true,
My silver would always compliment You.
Unheeding the Master passed on to the brass,
It was wide-mouthed and shallow and polished like glass.
Here, here, cried the vessel, I know I will do,
Place me on Your table for all men to view.
Look at me cried a goblet of crystal so clear,
My transparency shows my contents so dear.
Though fragile am I, I’ll serve You with pride,
And I’m sure I’d be happy in Your house to abide.
But the Master came next to a vessel of wood,
Polished and carved, it solidly stood.
Use me, Dear Master, the wooden bowl said,
But use me for fruit, but please no bread.
Then the Master looked down at a vessel of clay
Empty and broken it helplessly lay.
No hope had that vessel, that the Master might choose,
To cleanse and make whole, to fill or to use.
Ah, this is the vessel I’ve been hoping to find,
I’ll mend it and use it and make it all Mine.
I need not a vessel with pride in itself,
Nor the one so narrow that sits on the shelf.
Nor the one who is big-mouthed, shallow and loud,
Not the one who displays its contents so proud.
Not the one who thinks he can do all things right,
But this earthen vessel, filled with My power and might.
Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay,
Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day,
He spoke so kindly, there’s work you must do,
You pour out to others and I’ll pour into you.
This poem by Beulah Cornwell is for those of you who feel broken and useless. Who are burdened and overwhelmed. Who wonder if God is done with you. Who are passing through a dark night of the soul. Who need to know that God cares.
Prayer Focus This Week – Many young adults from the church are now heading back to college and many of the younger kids soon start elementary, junior and senior high school. Pray for a safe, happy, healthy, self-disciplined and growing year. That all will make good choices and choose good friends.
FINALLY: A wise man once said….nothing
May the Spirit of God, the Word of God, the Encouragement of God and Love of God fill your life this week.
Pastor Jay