In our introduction post for this study, we learned there are many different types of vessels. We also found that every vessel, no matter what kind, has two common characteristics:
- It must be created.
- It holds something.
Ephesians 2:10 is our focus verse, which teaches us that we are the vessels God created. We are His precious masterpieces, made to reflect the image and glory of the Creator Himself.
We were not created to just sit and collect dust, like some of those pottery pieces around my house. Our purpose is to be used!
How can we be used?
Can my pottery just get down off the shelf, open the refrigerator, and pour in the juice for breakfast? If we were in one of my favorite princess movies, maybe. Unfortunately we are not, and my house still needs to be cleaned. No enchanted characters to do the job for me.
In the same way, we cannot complete the tasks God has given us without His help. How then does He do this? When we are saved, the Holy Spirit dwells within us. That does not change, but in order to fulfill God’s plan for our lives, we need more than just the indwelling of the Spirit.
We need the filling. The every day, refreshing, overflowing power of the Holy Spirit.
If you have ever seen old-fashioned kerosene lamps, these are a perfect example of how the Holy Spirit works. The oil is poured into the base of the lamp, while a wick is suspended from the lamp device down into the oil. Once the wick is saturated with oil, one can light the top of the wick to create a light similar to a candle.
Over time, the oil in the lamp base is depleted and has to be refilled. If not, the light put off by the wick gets more dim and less effective.
This is a true picture of the Christian. When we are saved, the Holy Spirit indwells us. Although He never leaves, we must depend on His power to be effective in our calling. Each day requires we empty our vessels of everything related to self and ask God to fill us completely with Himself.
How does this happen?
With consistent daily Bible reading, faithful prayer, meditating on God’s Word and His precepts, and taking time to be still before the Lord.
Then…and only then…will we have the filling of the Holy Spirit who already lives within us. Our light will shine brighter and glorify our Savior more clearly.
This Christian life is a high calling (Philippians 3:14). We are God’s representatives to the world.
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before me, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”Matthew 5:14-16, KJV
The oil lamp cannot continue to burn and provide light to the room without a continuous provision of fuel. So we as Christians cannot share the light of Christ and be the vessels He has called us to be without a consistent filling of the Holy Spirit.
We must have more than a knowledge of where the oil is; we must keep a constant watch on the contents of our own hearts. This requires more than a relationship; it requires fellowship within that relationship.
How are you developing your relationship with the Lord?
Do you have a consistent quiet time where you feast on His Word, hide it in your heart, and listen for Him? Has your relationship grown through constant fellowship with God?
Remember, you are His masterpiece. He created you to do good works and glorify your Father in heaven. He wants a relationship with you, but more importantly, He wants to fellowship with you. Then He wants you to go and share the light with others.
Next we will be looking at the different kinds of vessels that Christians are called to be. I pray you are continuing to learn and hear from God, dear friend. It is my deepest desire that you will allow God to draw you close to Himself.
Until next time,
Ginger
”The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.”
2 Corinthians 13:14, KJV
