The Value of the Vessel
January 8, 2022
Written By: Gena Caruthers
But when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him, daubed it with asphalt and pitch, put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river’s bank.
Exodus 2:3 (NKJV)
We’ve all been to potlucks before (especially before the pandemic). As we walk down the line observing the sundry food items, which catches your eye first?
1. The store-bought brownie bites in the plastic container?
2. The frosted brownies, cut into bite-size pieces, on a beautiful dish?
Immediately the vessel catches your eye – and then you hear the cry coming from the chocolate morsels, one says, “I’m dried out, been in this plastic vessel for a week, please eat me.” The other says, “I was made fresh this morning, I’m moist, I’m yummy Ghirardelli chocolate. Someone took the time and effort to cut me, and carefully place me in this beautiful vessel to entice you, please eat me.”…. Naturally we are drawn to the beautiful vessel with the homemade delicious, gooey, yummy brownies.
Why?
Could it be that the vessel is as important as its contents?
While the vessel which carried baby Moses safely into Pharaoh’s daughter’s arms was only papyrus reeds waterproofed with tar and pitch, its value and beauty were much more enticing to Pharaoh’s daughter as she heard the baby’s cry. God has a way of making the contents priceless. The vessel made of tar and pitch might just as well have been made of expensive porcelain, because as she bathed in the warm sun her attention was captured by something priceless indeed.
Moses was a vessel greatly used by God. But, Moses felt unworthy, lowly, inept, and even made excuses to God for the obstacles he faced. God, in His almighty way, brought Moses to the challenge, and turned his (seemingly) obstacles into triumphs.
Triumphs
A wise mother willing to release him into a vessel of papyrus reeds waterproofed with tar and pitch.
Moses was given the most valuable message in God’s Word, the Ten Commandments.
Moses encountered many miracles: water from the rock, manna from heaven, the burning bush, crossing the Red Sea on dry land, with the Egyptians drowning behind.
Obstacles
The era in which he was born, was doomed for all baby boys.
Moses spoke with a stutter, making it difficult to communicate.
Moses was appointed as the leader of the children of Israel. This was a difficult task. They were defiant, obstinate, discontented grumblers!
While a vessel delivered Moses to the safety of a palace, and ultimately back into his mother’s arms, it also prepared Moses to commit himself as a vessel pleasing to God.
What kind of vessel will you commit to being for God in 2022? Just as Moses faced many obstacles, so will we! Will we give up easily? Or will we trust that God has made us a valuable vessel that will withstand the storms and hardships of life? When we have what we need on the inside of our vessels (the Holy Spirit) we will be able to stand when the winds blow, knowing, and trusting that God is in control, guiding our steps. My sweet friend, don’t be afraid. Only those who do nothing, never fail! Step out in faith and embrace what God is challenging you to accomplish this year!
Weekly Prayer Focus:
Throughout the week, I invite you to write or print this prayer focus as we draw closer to God.
God, help me to be a vessel that is pleasing to you.
I want the contents of my vessel to be full of your Spirit, ready and willing to step out in faith to the calling you are placing on my heart.
Lord, I will trust you… When I feel like I’m floating down life’s river, not knowing what will happen this year, I know that you will have help nearby. I want to be sensitive and receptive to hear your voice.
