An Empty Jar in the Master’s Hand

What or who you are determines what content in stored in you, sometimes people valued the container rather than the stuff inside, but to see beyond the flashy colors and the shape of the jar, pitcher or container is far more important than the vessel itself. We are like a vessel, a jar or a pitcher and the question we need to ask is, “What is inside of you?”

The empty pitcher in Gideon’s 300 is a picture of a Christian emptied before God, in order for the people to put torch inside the pitcher, it must be emptied first with other substance, it is clear that we cannot pour fresh water in a vessel with rocks, sands, soil or torch as compared to Gideon, in his case, the burning torch inside the empty pitcher after being smashed in synchrony was an effective strategy to drove off the enemies. This is an amazing picture of what God can do to a person filled with the power of His presence.

I remember the time when our marriage encountered difficulties, which almost led to separation, it was a time of great pain, anger and isolation, but along the way I choose to forgive, and let go. I will never forget the words of God in my heart, “One more step for Me, remember, this is not about you, nor your husband, this is all about Me,” had I not choose the right substance, we would not have celebrated our 8 years anniversary last May 17, 2011!

Now, the questions are what if I filled my vessel with hatred, unforgiveness, revenge and bitterness? Would God win? Will it ease the situation? Will I be satisfied with the result? I don’t think so; the substances I mentioned above can cause the vessel to rot no matter how beautiful and resilient it was made. It is not the matter of the quality of the vessel but the things inside it, if I choose to fill myself with anger and not forgive it will definitely lead to much pain and sorrow; if I choose to fill myself with revenge and bitterness it will harbor disease and more bitterness. I did not say that I never felt the hatred, disappointment, the desire to revenge and bitterness, as a matter of fact, I did, but I thank God because these didn’t reach the rim of my vessel. I praise God because during that time He guided me and emptied me with the damaging substances that will surely separate me from Him.

We must be careful what are we pouring in our vessel, harmful substances will surely damage us and it may be too late to find out that we are at the edge of rottenness. These substances surround us every day, it could be pornography, negative thoughts, vices, inferiority, pride, fear, doubt and many other things, they are there waiting to jump inside us and fill us. God has given us the wisdom and His ever-loving presence is ever-present but it is up to us to choose.

In order for God our Master to effectively use us, we must become an empty vessel in His hands, we must be empty of ourselves and be selfless, we must let go of the things that hinder the work of God in our lives, we must allow the Holy Spirit to fill us so that we may ablaze in the hands of our Master, we must choose the right substance so that when the Master use us, our effects will linger throughout eternity.

Remember the contents coming from God are fresh, soothing to the soul and joy to the spirit because they came from the throne of His grace flowing from the river of life! It will enable you, empower you, humble you and equip you for His ministry. Just like Gideon’s empty vessel with a torch inside, allow God to decrease you so that He will increase in your life. Therefore, what’s in you?