2 Timothy 2:20-21 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. [21] 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.
There is a need for vessels of honor to serve the Lord's presence and accomplish His purpose. His righteousness and holiness are without compromise, and so will be those who care for the things that are His. Thankfully this washing, this cleansing, has already been provided for us in the blood of Jesus. By simply letting go of other dependencies and coming boldly to the throne of grace, we are helped in purification from things of this world by His Spirit and enabled to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. Like the shower that washes away the dust and grime that would disqualify from service to patrons in a 5-star resort, there is a need for frequent exposure to the washing of living water. All the shower requires is the entrance into its realm of influence, where it has its effect and does its work. However, there is also the need for removal of all other garments that would inhibit its cleansing contact. There is a great participation in the work of the Lord that requires separation from corruptions of the flesh that would misrepresent those who have been united with Him. With these times of total exposure to His ever-cleansing flow is an expectancy for what is to come in His service. Things are washed away that would prohibit necessary progress, and we're enabled to fully service His plans and His vision.
"My impression and fear of life apart from God is much greater than any other, while there is no other desire that comes close to my desire of Him.”
Psalm 19:9-10
"My heart and soul will exalt and magnify the strength and might of my Almighty God."
Psalm 21:13
"All things are possible to me because I believe."
Mark 9:23
"I have been given wisdom to know the mystery of the kingdom of God."
Mark 4:11
"Equipped with the full armor of God, I am strong in the Lord and the power of His might, standing against the wiles of the enemy."
Ephesians 6:10-11
"God supplies the seed for me to sow for a great harvest of righteousness and abundance that glorifies Him."
2 Corinthians 9:10-11
On my way out of the store today the wind was blowing quite a bit and there were men using leaf blowers to clear the entrance to the store. I couldn’t help but notice the dust that flew into my face but I kept moving forward, covering my mouth the best I could, endeavoring to accomplish my errand.
When I got into the car I felt my skin was a little “sandy” and licking my lips, I realized the groundsmen were blowing the salt off the pathway which had been laid out the night before to avoid anyone from falling from the ice.
In our reading today it references our need for cleansing and a washing, to be a vessel of honor, useful for Kingdom purposes.
Sometimes we can come in contact with things in life, in relationships, in jobs, especially dealing with challenges, that can affect our hearts. We then carry elements of it into our worlds without even knowing we are doing it. Maybe in attitudes, hurts, insecurities, shame, rejection, or pride/arrogance.
The washing of the Word and the blood of Jesus frees us from the things that might attach themselves to us—- even when we are unaware. Someone else may see it-but we don’t. The times spent in fellowship with our Father will cleanse us. He reveals the hidden things.
His presence brings light. His presence overcomes evil and reveals things that bring a washing to our souls. Much needed in this time of prayer and fasting.