VESSELS WE ALL ARE

Every Christian is a vessel, an instrument, and a tool in the hands of the LORD Jesus Christ. God wants to use us for the working His kingdom. This is all too obvious from what Bible speaks in 1 Peter 2:9
– “9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light;” – 1 Peter 2:9

The purpose of we being called out of darkness into His marvellous light is not only to redeem us and save us from the consequences of our sins, but also, and may be more important than the act of saving itself, that we be His representatives, ambassadors and vessels, declaring His praises to all who are still in darkness, by being the salt and light, seen through our good works, changed life, and transformed lifestyle. Therefore, VESSELS WE ALL ARE of God, serving Him and His purposes, all the days of our lives.
– “20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honour and some for dishonour. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honour, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 2:20-21
– “16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
– “11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims…12 having your conduct honourable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.” – 1 Peter 2:11

James, the brother of our LORD, has some very insightful words for our consideration about faith and works. The understanding of how faith and works work in tandem with each other – where one is a reflection of the other and one validates the other. Therefore, as vessels in the hands of our LORD, we are to consider our works seriously, just as we take our faith in the LORD seriously.
– ” 14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?…17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” – James 2:14,17
– “20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.  25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” – James 2:20-26

Dear brothers and sisters, what kind of a vessel are we? Are we vessels of honour to glory of the LORD Jesus, who had called us out of darkness, destruction and death, into His marvellous light, life and life everlasting? How would our LORD see us, if He were to stand in front of us right now, face to face? Would He recognise us as His own people? Would He say to us…
– “21…Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.’” – Matthew 25:21
Or, would the LORD Jesus say to us…
– “21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” – Matthew 7:21-23

What would it be dear friends and fellow Christians? Let us never forget this as Christians, dear friends – “VESSELS WE ALL ARE” called out with a special and specific purpose. Let us always seek to be on that job to which we are called. Even so, the LORD help us.