- What is a vessel?
In a literal sense, a vessel refers to a hollow container, such that can hold a substance like liquid. Vessels are made for storing, preserving and using content.
Many years ago, Vessels were often made of clay, and the maker of them were known as the potter. We have as well seen in scriptures, where the phrase "clay and potter" is constantly used.
Man is a vessel—God's Vessel. And God Almighty, the maker of the vessel of man, is the Potter. We are His vessels.
The holy Bible goes further to throw more light on the two major kinds of vessels created by God:
- Vessels made unto honour, and
- Those made unto dishonour.
2 Timothy 2:20 (KJV) 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.
Vessels of Dishonour
The Bible makes mention of vessels that are made for dishonour. These vessels are not made for noble purposes (though still under the will of God). The Creator God makes them for a different purposes other than a noble one; often to be used for a short period of time.
I know you probably have many questions by now. But we cannot question God Almighty on why He makes some vessels unto dishonour. We should be thankful that we are not one of such vessels.
Romans 9:17 (KJV) For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
We cannot say that the role which Pharaoh played in the story of Moses and the Israelites in Egypt was a noble one. But we can see that it still fell under Divine plan. God said that He created Pharaoh for the very purpose which he fulfilled!
Pharaoh was raised as a vessel unto dishonour, and he was short-lived. Another example of such vessel was Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus.
Again, we can not question the Lord on why He does not make everyone to be vessels of honour. We can only be grateful that we are made unto honour.
Romans 9:20-21 (KJV) Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it , Why hast thou made me thus? [21] Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
Vessels Of Honour
Vessels of honour are those who were chosen even before the foundation of the earth. They are the elects and God's remnant on earth. According to the election of grace, they were hand-picked by the Almighty.
That is why Jesus said that no one comes to Him except the Father draws him.
John 6:44 KJVNo man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Those who were not chosen to be vessels of honour will always reject our salvation message, no matter how good we preach it. This is the hard truth.
The Lord knows those who are His (2 Timothy 1:19). This is only a privilege. Those who are called by His Name must not take His grace for granted.
Every genuine Christian falls within the group of vessels made unto honour.
Ephesians 1:4-5,7,9-12 (KJV) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: [5] Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, [7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; [9] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: [10] That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: [11] In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: [12] That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.
Vessels of honour are the Church; the body of Christ and temple of God—which He longs to dwell in forever and ever.
1 Corinthians 3:9 (KJV) For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
All vessels of honour are made for the noble purpose of partnering with Jesus Christ, as co-labourers with Him in His vineyard.
If you are saved, you are a vessel of honour. Submit to the Lord, so He can sanctify and use you to bring many others into the family of God. We should be willing to be used of Him in that dimension.
We must live worthy of our calling and inclusion in the family of midst of those who are vessels made unto honour.
Acts 9:15 (KJV) But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.
1 Peter 2:9 (KJV) But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
Characteristics of Vessels of Honour
Heaven has her own specifications and instructions on how vessels of honour should live on earth.
First of all, we must always exist with the consciousness that we are in the world but not of the world. We cannot live according to the ways of this world, doing what everyone else does. Much is expected of us because we are sent to represent the Almighty on earth.
Set Apart
Vessels of honour must be set apart from sin and worldliness, if they must be used of the Lord to the fullest.
Sin is against the nature of God, and every vessel made unto honour should be filled with the presence of God. Not sin.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 (KJV) For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: [4] That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour
Consecration is the standard for everyone through whom the Lord will do mighty exploits in the end times. He can use us beyond our imagination and expectation if we stay consecrated.
Full Of The Spirit
One of the major reasons why the Lord made us vessels of honour was to fill us with His Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit we cannot serve or worship God effectively (John 15:5, Zechariah 4:6).
The Holy Spirit is the Oil we need to keep our lamps burning. We must always stay filled with Him.
Matthew 25:1-4 (KJV) Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. [2] And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. [3] They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: [4] But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
Until we are filled with the Spirit of God, we can not be used of Him! Any service rendered to God without the Holy Spirit is done in the flesh and cannot be accepted.
The five foolish virgins did not care to stay filled with the Holy Spirit. The result was evident in the fact that they fell during that perilous times, and could not make it into eternity with the Lord.
Broken And Remoulded
Due to the fall of the first man and the sin gene running through subsequent generations, every vessel made unto honour needs to be broken and remoulded by the Potter Himself. This is the process which He begins in us after salvation.
We must submit to God for pruning (as revealed in John 15). When the Lord is through with us, we will be equipped to represent Him exactly the way He destined us to! And we won't find it difficult to ascribe all glory to Him.
Corinthians 4:7 (KJV) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
God's Project In Progress
The Lord is in the business of perfecting His Church for His soon return. Vessels of honour are not yet perfect; they are God's work in progress.
No Christian can say that they have arrived. Like Apostle Paul, we are to chase after a closer walk with the Lord daily. We should all desire to grow and know Him more—even till the day we depart this world.
Philippians 1:6 KJV Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
Final Words
We are blessed to be vessels made unto honour. That alone should compel us to allow God work on us, so as to use us for His Glory.
We must submit to His refining and equipping process so that we will be ready to be used of Him to the fullest.
There is nothing as noble and fulfilling as living for God and doing exactly what He sent us to do on earth. No earthly attainment is greater than this.
2 Timothy 2:21 KJV 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.
Hebrews 13:20-21 KJV Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, [21] Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
God bless you!
This post first appeared on IBlogGospel | Daily Devotionals, Christian Dream Symbols, Warfare Prayers, please read the originial post: here
