Only Empty Vessels
“Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants. Don’t drink too much wine. That cheapens your life. Drink the Spirit of God, huge draughts of him. Sing hymns instead of drinking songs! Sing songs from your heart to Christ. Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:17-20 (The Message Bible)
It is only when we have been emptied – that we can be filled – full. Any given container has a limit on the amount of a substance that it can keep in check. Therefore, when a container has reached its maximum limit……that’s it. It can’t hold another drop. For example; you can attempt to pour a gallon of liquid into an already filled gallon sized bottle – and it will not be able to receive it. Why? Because the first bottle is already filled full. Therefore even though the substance in the second bottle may be of a superior quality – because the first bottle is already full; it can’t receive the better product.
God is saying that we are expecting Him to fill us with all of who He is – but He can’t; because there’s no room. Our minds are still filled with the concepts and percepts of the world; when He has instructed us to empty them and renew them. (Romans 12:1&2)
He has told us to empty ourselves of the cares of this world (I Peter 5:7); but we are still filled with worry, doubt and unbelief.
He has instructed us to be not like the Pharisees and Scribes – hypocrites (Matthew 6:5); but we are still filled with pride, boastings and egotism.
He has warned us not to be filled with vengeance – because it belongs to Him (Romans 12:19). Yet we are not emptied of backbiting; still holding grudges and harboring unforgiveness.
We must remember:
- Only empty vessels can be filled.
- Only empty vessels have the ability to totally receive all that is being poured into them.
- Only empty vessels will have the capability to contain the proper amount wisdom needed to successfully up root the diabolical plans and plots of the enemy.
- Only empty vessels have received the revelation that they must stay on the potter’s wheel and daily cleanse themselves with the Word of God – if they are going to remain empty.
- Only empty vessels are those who were once yielded; but are now broken, freed and ready to have the anointing of God to empower them with His Presence, His Integrity and His Kingdom Authority.
So, if we are to be used totally of God…for God – then it is time for us to empty out ourselves and get rid of whatever is not relevant for this season in our lives. Remember yesterday’s treasures just might be today’s useless clutter!
…….. “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” Luke 11:28 ESV
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