Title
God Is Looking For Empty Vessels
Scripture
Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full . . . the oil ceased.
(2 Kings 4:6)
Devotional
You know the story of Elisha and the widow’s oil. Her husband had died and the creditors were coming to take her two sons as slaves. Elisha had her collect empty vessels from her neighbors and fill them with the little oil she had. And as long as she had empty vessels, they were being filled.
Do you see the parallel? God is looking for empty vessels to fill. He is looking for people who have died to self and desire to be filled with His Spirit. He is looking for vessels willing to be filled. However, before He can fill them, they must be empty---empty of pride, lust, arrogance and bitterness, empty of those things that will defile the oil He wishes to give.
How do we become empty vessels? The apostle Peter tells us to “humble [ourselves] under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt [us] in due time.”(1)
(1) 1 Peter 5:6
Text For The Day
2 Kings 4:6: Now it came to pass, when the vessels were full… the oil ceased.
Thought For The Day
“When you are too sure of yourself, you are less on guard against the enemy. Be alert, therefore, for the devil, who, if he can claim even one hair of your head, will lose no time in making a braid of it.” Saint Bonaventure in A Major Life of Saint Francis.
Questions To Ponder
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Has God ever used or does He ever use people full of themselves? Really think about it before you positively answer.
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Can we be empty vessels and likewise be filled with confidence?
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Is there a difference between confidence and faith?
Morning Study Guide
Defining: “Empty” in the spiritual sense is having a void of the things of this world and the presence of Christ. It is the empty vessel that can be filled and used for the kingdom of God.
Referencing: “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. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work,” 2 Timothy 2:20-21.
Applying: It is easy to see what is in a transparent vessel. Be honest; remain in the light; cleanse the vessel of your soul and be filled with Christ.