Vessels

I have a niece, who always possessed a special interest for small collectable things.  Unlike my children, she frequently cherished and kept her little treasures in different containers.  Some were beautifully decorated shoe boxes while others were specially acquired carriers with handles and lockets that she carried with her everywhere she went.

 

While the ancient world did not have the luxurious variety of containers we use today, jugs and bowls were often used as containers, commonly referred to as vessels.

 

If you notice carefully, biblical literature frequently simultaneously uses the same word vessel to describe people.  We are specially designed “containers” for his treasures, “truths”.  We cherish and carry these truths in a vessel that the bible also commonly refers to our heart.

 

It’s no surprise that Jesus’ first miracle involved six large stone vessels. As I studied this specific episode of the bible a beautiful correlation emerged.  

 

First, the six vessels were empty and used for cleansing. (John 2:6)

 

Prior to being filled with God’s truths, our heart vessel must be emptied and cleansed.  You can’t pour into something that is already full.  You must take the time to clear your mind and set all your attention to be able to receive his truths. 

 

Next, Jesus commands that the vessels be filled.  

 

Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim. (John 2:7)

 

It requires effort on our part to get filled with God’s truths.  Notice it says they filled them to the brim.  It wasn’t just a little bit. When you’re full of God’s truths it will eventually flow over.

For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. (Matthew 12:34)

 

Then Jesus says Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast. (John 2:8)

 

 

Being filled with the truth means you always have something to draw from and think on, not only for yourself but to also share with others.  

 

 

…and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. (John 2:9)

 

Though with time the truths we carry in our vessels may remain ordinary to us as ordinary water, when we share them with a hurting, thirsty world, it’s as sweet and satisfying to them as the best choice wine.  

But you have saved the fine wine until now!” (John 2:10)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supporting text

Did you know the biological anatomy of the heart actually consists of four compartments called vessels

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels...(2 Co. 4:7 KJV) 

 

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. (Matt. 12:35 NKJV)

 

Go, for this man is My vessel of choice…(Acts 9:15)

 

So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.…(2 Tim. 2:21)