Chosen  Vessel

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,
I'm of great value and I do things just right.
My beauty and luster will outshine the rest.
For someone like you, Master, gold would be best."

The Master passed on with no word at all.
And looked at a silver urn, grand and tall.
"I'll serve you, Master, I'll pour out your wine.
I'll be on your table whenever you dine.
My lines are so graceful, my carving so true.
And silver will always complement you."

Unheeding, the Master passed on to the 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."

"Look at me," called the goblet of crystal so clear,
"My transparency shows my contents so dear.
Though fragile am I, I will serve you with pride,
And I'll be happy in your house to abide."

Then the Master came next to a vessel of wood,
Polished and carved, it very solidly stood.
"You may use me, dearest Master," the wooden bowl said.
"But I'd rather you used me for fruit, not for bread."

Then the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay.
Empty and now broken, it helplessly lay.
No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose,
To cleanse, and to make whole, to fill and to use.

"Ah! Now this is the vessel I've been hoping to find.
I'll mend it and use it and make it mine.
I need not the vessel with pride of itself,
Nor one that is narrow to sit on the shelf,
Nor one that is big-mouthed and shallow and loud,
Nor one that displays his contents so proud,
Nor the one who thinks he can do things just right.
But this plain vessel filled with power and might."

Then gently He "lifted up" the vessel of clay,
Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day:
He let the vessel know -- "There's much work to do...
You are to pour out to others, as I pour into you."


Addendum -- Acts 9:15 (NKJV) "But the Lord said to him,
'Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name
before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel."

Epilogue -- Who was the vessel Christ referred to?
Are you prepared to serve as a vessel for the Lord?

[ Author Unknown -- rev. 10/98 Anon. ]