Pour Out as God Pours In

Scripture:  II Timothy 4:6 “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.”

The Master was searching for a vessel to use.  Before Him were many which one would He choose? “Take me” cried the gold one, “I’m shiny and bright, am of great value, and I do things just right.  My beauty and luster will outshine the rest and for someone like You, Master, gold would be best.”

The Master passed on with no word at all and looked at a silver urn, narrow and tall.  “I’ll serve You, dear Master; I’ll pour out Your wine.  My lines are so graceful, my carvings so true and my silver will certainly compliment You.”
Unheeding, the Master passed on to the vessel of brass, 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.” The Master came next to the vessel of wood polished and carved, it solidly stood.  “You may use me, dear Master,” the wooden bowl said, “but I’d rather You use me for fruit, not for bread.”

Then the Master looked down on a vessel of clay, empty and broken it helplessly laid.  No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose to cleanse and make whole, to fill and to use.  “Oh, 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 the vessel with the pride of itself.  Nor one that is big-mouthed and shallow and loud.  Nor one that displays its contents so proud.”

Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay mended and cleansed it and filled it that day.  He spoke to it kindly, “there’s work you must do.  Just pour out to others what I pour into you.”
Prayer:  Lord, empty me of “me” that I might be a vessel fit for the Master’s use to pour out to others as You pour into me.

(by Cheryl Torain)