Take oil for your Vessel

The more I study and read my Bible, the more I’ve discovered that much of the Bible is metaphorically and symbolically written, explaining spiritual concepts through real life scenarios.  

 

This is why reading it just once, or for the first time can be confusing and very overwhelming at times.  

 

The more you study it however, the more the Holy Spirit will expand your understanding, beginning with the simplest elementary truths. Truths that you slowly build upon, as building blocks.  Connecting one biblical scenario to the next.  Truth upon truth.  

 

… Precept upon precept, precept upon precept, Rule upon rule, rule upon rule, Here a little, there a little. (Is. 28:10 Am)

 

 

Gods wants to take the very little understanding that we have and build upon it, or multiply it.  

 

 

Just like in the story of the poor widow of 2 Kings chapter 4. Her little bit of oil is symbolic of God’s truth and wisdom.  

 

Let’s take a moment and elaborate.

 

The prophet tells her to...

 

Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbors—empty vessels; (2 Ki 4:3 NKJV)

 

The widow had to make sure the vessels were empty.  We need to make sure our vessel (our mind) is clear so that we can solely set our attention and focus on the word. 

 

 

…you shall shut the door behind you… then pour it into all those vessels

(vs.4)

 

To shut the door is to seclude yourself.  In other words, isolate, remove, separate yourself. Disconnect from the world and connect with God.

 

Notice, oil was poured into the vessel in private. God’s wisdom and understanding is continuously and divinely supplied to those that wait on God in solitude. 

 

…and thou shalt set aside that which is full. (vs.4)

 

Once the vessel is full of God’s truth and wisdom, you remain still until God calls you for service.  He uses our vessel when he chooses and sees fit. Whether it’s one hurting neighbor or a great congregation of people. It's up to you to make yourself available.  

 

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor,..., sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. (2 Ti.2:20-21 NKJV)

 

Supporting Texts

 

or whoever has [spiritual wisdom because he is receptive to God’s word], to him more will be given, and he will be richly and abundantly supplied; but whoever does not have [spiritual wisdom because he has devalued God’s word], even what he has will be taken away from him. (Matt. 13:12 Am)

 

Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps…(Matt. 25:3)

 

 

There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise…(Pr. 21:20 KJV)

 

 

But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile]. (Ja. 3:17 Am.)