The Master was searching for a vessel to use. On the shelf there were many, which one would He choose?

Take me, cried the gold one, I’m shiny and bright. I’m of great value and I do things just right.

My beauty and lustre will outshine the rest. And for someone like You, gold would be the best!

The Master passed on with no word at all. He looked at a silver urn, narrow and tall.

I’ll serve You, dear Master, I’ll pour out Your wine. And I’ll be at Your table whenever You dine.

My lines are so graceful, my carvings so true. And my silver will always compliment You.

Unheeding the Master passed on to the brass. It was widemouthed and shallow, and polished like glass.

Here! Here! cried the vessel, I know I will do. Place me on Your table for all men to view.

Look at me, called the goblet of crystal so clear. My transparency shows my contents so dear.

Though fragile am I, I will serve You with pride. And I’m sure I’ll be happy in Your house to abide.

The Master came next to a vessel of wood. Polished and carved, it solidly stood.

You may use me, dear Master, the wooden bowl said. But I’d rather You used me for fruit, not for bread!

Then the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay. Empty and broken it helplessly lay.

No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose, to cleanse and make whole, to fill and to use.

Ah! This is the vessel I’ve been hoping to find. I will mend and use it and make it all Mine.

I need not the vessel with pride of itself. Nor the one who is narrow to sit on the shelf.

Nor the one who is bigmouthed and shallow and loud. Nor one who displays his contents so proud.

Not the one who thinks he can do all things just right. But this plain earthy vessel filled with My power and might.

Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay. Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day.

Spoke to it kindly; there’s work you must do. Just pour out to others as I pour into you.

–author unknown

12 Responses to A Vessel of Clay

  1. Paul David "conqourer" says:

    The value of heaven is us! We’re heavens highest commodity heaven isn’t heaven without us , gold silver are all worthless in heaven but we would kill for some of it today! Have we ever valued another like we place value on on material wealth , where a man’s treasure is there will be his heart also ahhh if we would value life like Jesus values the world would be abetter place… In this these two commands He said ” lovethelord your god with all your mightmind,hearts soul and… Your neighbor as your self…Today I’m like the all those vessels and find it hard to love me the way He does , I think that’s what this has been all about I hope n pray that when I’m done with childish things I can become the man of God He’s called me to be Amen and Amen

  2. Elizabeth says:

    This message of The Clay Vessel, un-beknownst to me, was sitting on the table- of a seat given me at a Women’s Aglow breakfast meeting I was invited to back in 2000. Well, after I sat down I began to read this beautiful piece. And, when I got to the verse where Jesus is happy to have found what HE was looking for, THAT little Broken PC of clay, I cried like a baby! I got “saved” that morning & asked Jesus to be the Lord and Savior of my life, and am so grateful for that invitation to that most wonderful breakfast meeting that day!!

  3. David T says:

    I was looking for something to encourage me, it showed me that we need not be young, smart or special to be used by God just willing and trust him

  4. beverly says:

    Beautiful!

  5. Kurt says:

    Thank You Lord for this message. Help us not try to climb off Your potters wheel, rather strengthen us to trust You and You alone.

  6. elizabeth says:

    awesome message. God bless the author, the publisher and the readers!!

  7. Timothy k.m says:

    It’s touching and reflecting our walk in Christ,let CHRIST be glorified in and through us .May the author be blessed with more wisdom

  8. anne says:

    How very profound! God bless you Allworship.

  9. ELIZABETH says:

    Lord forgive me for the times I have thought I am a gold, silver or brass. Use me for your own glory

  10. Salome OJ says:

    Wow! This is so inspiring. God bless the author.

  11. Willahar Felipe mahecha says:

    Is so sad that this world is full of golden ,silver, and glass vessels .please lord help me to not be one of them I want to be just a clay vessel .

  12. Lucy says:

    I really enjoy this message. I am new to this page and will be back to visit.

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