2 Timothy 2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
Today’s article talks about ‘The profitable vessel’. For easy understanding and study, I have decided to discuss this topic under 5 points. 3 of these will be covered in this first part. The 5 points include:
1. Who is a vessel
2. Who is your Maker
3. How can I be profitable
4. Hindrances to being profitable
5. The reward of being a profitable vessel
WHO IS A VESSEL?
You are a vessel formed for a purpose on the earth and your Maker is waiting for his profit. Jer.1.5 “Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations–that’s what I had in mind for you.” (MSB)
A Vessel by Merriam-Webster dictionary is defined as:
A container
A person into whom some quality such as grace is infused
A watercraft which is bigger than a rowboat
A tube or canal such as artery in which a body fluid is contained and conveyed or circulated
A conducting tube in the xylem of a vascular plant formed by the fusion and loss of end walls of a series cell.
From the above definitions, we see that a vessel performs or carry out one purpose or the other no matter the material or form it is made off. Whether it’s in form of a container, watercraft or body part. Similarly, God has made us as vessels here on earth to fulfil His purpose here on earth. He deposited vital treasures in us to show forth His glory.
2 Corinthians 4: 7
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
Furthermore, you are not an ordinary vessels because you are also made in His image and likeness. You are a supernatural profiting vessel.
Gen.1:26 God said, Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth. (AMP)
Gen.1.27 So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them. (AMP)
WHO IS YOUR MAKER?
Ephesians 2: 10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Almighty God is our maker whom by His hands formed us as a profitable vessels here on earth.
Isaiah 64:8
But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
HOW CAN I BE PROFITABLE?
Living like Christ here on earth and walking in His footsteps: We are written epistle to others, therefore we must live like him in our thought and lifestyle.Phil 2:5 Let this same attitude and purpose and(humble) mind be in you which was In Christ Jesus: (Let Him be your example in humility)(AMP). This will happen as we continue to abide in him. This will happen as we continue to commit to intimacy and fellowship with the Father, through the word (studying, meditating and obeying), prayer and communion.
Seeking first His kingdom: Decision to make God’s kingdom and His advancement our priority, through giving, dedicating our time, talent and resources to the things of the kingdom which are soul winning, intercession, giving to mission work and kingdom advancement.
Mathew 6: 33 – But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Being faithful and dedicated to our assignment both in church and our place of work. Matt.25.21 His master said to him, Well done, you upright (honorable, admirable) and faithful servant! You have been faithful and trustworthy over a little; I will put you in charge of much. Enter into and share the joy (the delight, the blessedness) which your master enjoys. (AMP). Whatever we do must be done to the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31)
Today, we have established some truths:
• We are vessels in the hands of our Creator
• We are vessels created in Yahweh’s image, according to his likeness.
• We are here to serve, we are here on purpose. The purpose of the one who created us.
• We can be profitable!! When we walk according to the footsteps of Jesus, abiding in him and bearing good fruits.
Let’s examine ourselves, how profitable have we been. How well have we traded the talents our master committed to our hands( Mathew 25:15-30). Dear vessel, how well have you emptied, dealt with and multiplied your content (May the Lord give us understanding). And the exciting thing about it is we are not without help! We have the Holy Spirit to help us in this assignment.
Written by Sis Blessing C. Ugwu (Team Watchmen)