3 Minute Read

Prepare Your Heart

To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.

Read God’s Word

Jeremiah 21:1-23:32
2 Timothy 2:14-26

A Verse for Today

Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.

2 Timothy 2:20-21 (CSB): “Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also those of wood and clay; some for honorable use and some for dishonorable. So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”

Reflecting on God’s Word

In a first-century home, there were all sorts of “vessels.” In the original language, the word that is translated “vessels” comes from a word that means “a highly generic term for any kind of jar, bowl, basket, or vase,” according to the Louw-Nida Greek/English Dictionary.

Some vessels were made of wood or clay. Others were made of something much more valuable, like gold or silver. Obviously, the more expensive the vessel, the more valuable it would be and the more likely it would be used for something special. The least expensive vessels would be used for common purposes, such as holding trash, feeding the animals, or disposing of waste.

In 2 Timothy 2:20-21, Paul was clearly comparing those various types of vessels to professing Christians. He said there are some types of professing Christians who seem to have a lot going for them and would be seen as people of great value by others. Yet, there are also other professing Christians who seem common and ordinary.

The thrust of the verses is that anyone who wants to be used by God should undergo thorough internal cleansing. They should repent of any known sin, resolve to be instantly and completely obedient when they understand what God requires of them, and resolve to be fully surrendered to Him.

When that happens, “wood and clay” Christians will not turn into “gold and silver” Christians. What they are made of (or the degree they have on the wall, or the accomplishments they have achieved, etc.) doesn’t really matter to the Lord. He is merely looking for someone who wants to be used by Him and does the work to prepare their hearts.

Do you want the Lord to use you to accomplish His purposes? I sure hope so! Then do a thorough spiritual cleaning. Spend time confessing and repenting. Get into God’s Word and resolve to obey whatever He reveals to you. And whether or not He uses you for something you perceive to be important, realize that we won’t understand the full measure of what God does in our lives until we get to Heaven. So, do the right thing and leave the results to HIm.

2 Timothy 2:20-21 (CSB): “Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also those of wood and clay; some for honorable use and some for dishonorable. So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.”

Spend Time in Prayer

  • Ask God to help you see what needs to be cleaned up in your life.
  • Ask God to help you repent and get rid of the bad things, while resolving to do what He requires.

Going Deeper

If you want to dig a little deeper into 2 Timothy 2:21, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:

“What is the vessel for honor in 2 Timothy 2:21?”

Sharing

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Matt Ellis is the pastor of White Hall Baptist Church in Richmond, Kentucky (whitehallbaptistchurch.org)