TUESDAY June 17, 2025

Vessels of Honor

But 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.
2 Timothy 2:20

Paul spoke of a house with different vessels. Some were made of precious gold and silver, others were of less value and made from wood or clay. Paul added, some were for honor and some were for dishonor. What was he referring to?

God is our Creator. We are His earthen vessels. In Isaiah, we find this similar analogy: But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of your hand (Isaiah 64:8).

We also have another verse in the Bible that refers to us as vessels:

For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure (2 Corinthians 4:6-7).

With this understanding in mind, look back to what Paul continued to say, there are vessels of honor and some for dishonor. In 2 Timothy 2:21, we gain an even greater understanding: 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.

The Apostle tells us exactly what to do if we want to become a vessel of honor, sanctified, (which means set apart), and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. We have to be a clean vessel. Cleansed from what? Sin. Psalm 119:9 tells us how this can happen: How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.

How else are we cleansed from our sin? We come humbly to the Lord to confess our sin: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Today, spend some time with the Lord in prayer. Confess any sin, obey His word and become a vessel of honor that He can use.

If you desire honor for yourself, the Lord must put you aside as a vessel ... One of the greatest qualifications for useful service of the Lord is a heart that truly desires to honor Him.
~George Muller~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!