"But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel" (Acts 9:15).

The Lord here was speaking to Ananias concerning the apostle Paul, calling him a "vessel" that was to be filled with spiritual treasures for the nations. We may not be chosen for such a great work as that of Paul, but each of us is a chosen vessel to carry the message to someone.

First, however, we have to be prepared as vessels by the great Potter, "that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had afore prepared unto glory" (Romans 9:23). This verse speaks of God's mercy, for He must also endure "with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction" (Romans 9:22).

We are only earthen vessels, at least to begin with, but God does entrust a portion of His heavenly treasures to us, especially "the light of the glorious gospel of Christ" shining in our hearts. "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us" (II Corinthians 4:4,7).

If we are faithful in the small things, He may one day entrust us with greater treasures. "In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work" (II Timothy 2:20-21).

Each one is a vessel in the master's hand. Some are vessels of wrath, suited only for destruction; some vessels in His house are of wood and dirt, vessels of dishonor. May God help us, however, to be beautiful vessels of great value, sanctified to the master's use, and to every good work. HMM