HOLY WEEK: LENT DAY 35

To everyone is given divine grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ (Ephesians 4:7). The grace we each have varies from one person to another, depending on who we are and what we have to do. This is important to know because who you are and what you carry determines what you get and how you are being treated. In the Lord’s house, there are different vessels of diverse qualities and kinds, gold, silver, bronze, or even wood, which are all important but while some are for common use, others are for special use (2 Timothy 2:20-21). The question is which type are you? Are you a special vessel in the Lord’s house or are you a common one? The good news is that, whatever you are, you can become special by working on yourself and making the right preparations. The Lord chooses to make from the same clay, vessels of beauty, and others vessels of menial use (Romans 9:21), and each of them has a defined purpose that is fitting to what they are. But then it is left to each vessel to show its worth by making itself available and useful to the master. It might so happen that the vessel of beauty decides to stick to the dust and becomes dirty while the menial one cleans itself constantly and stays bright, when the time of use comes, which do you think the master will go for? The master will simply rework the menial vessel into a vessel of beauty and the other into the menial one (Jeremiah 18:3-5). We are all vessels in the hands of God and if we refuse to take the shape he wants, he reworks us into something else giving that original place to another, as it is said, let his place be given to another (Acts 1:20). This is exactly what happened to king Saul and David, God had plans for Saul but when he failed to execute them, God replaced him with another who could better execute the plan. Saul was the majestic one (1 Samuel 10:24) while David was just a little fine boy (1 Samuel 16:12). They were two vessels in the house of the Lord but when the majestic and outstanding one failed, the little one at the corner was brought into play. Among the disciples of Jesus, the beloved did not become the chosen leader but Peter became (Matthew 16:18), Peter wasn’t the favorite but he proved himself by showing his leadership skills by taking the lead in most situations (Matthew 14:26-28; Matthew 16:15-17) and had the power to influence the decision of the other disciples (Mark 14:31). Who are you in the house of the Lord and what are you doing with what you have? Elisha told Joash that he was God’s arrow of victory over Aram (2 Kings 13:15-17), Ezekiel was a watchman over the house of Israel (Ezekiel 3:17), and Jesus told Ananias that Paul was his chosen instrument to bring his name to the Pagans (Acts 9:15), Judas was the traitor (Matthew 10:4; Mark 14:44-45), David was the man after God’s heart (Acts 13:22). Who are you? Are you at the right place doing what you were called to do or have you deviated from it? Be conscious of one thing the Lord is capable of raising stones to do the needful if you fail to do it (Luke 19:39-40). Be sure that there will always be someone to do that work you have rejected and failed to do. The privilege you have been given to serve where you are can be taken away from you and given to another if you fail to deliver (Mark 12:9) so guard it preciously and do your job always without grumbling and complaining remembering always to say at all time, I am just a servant who has done only his job (Luke 17:10). This is the way forward, knowing who you are and performing your duty. The people in the house of God are like the parts of the body, and are all assigned to various tasks and duties, some more needed, others more protected, and others handy (2 Corinthians 12:22) but each part is assigned to a particular role and is important. The beauty about the body parts is that they complement one another and the body will not be complete if one is lacking. Whichever one you are, be proud of who you are and serve with humility praying that your humble service be acceptable in the sight of the one who chose you and assigned you to that task. I ask again who are you and what are you doing? In Corda Matris.

Resolutions

I resolve to be a valuable and available instrument in the Hands of God.
I resolve to submit my will to the will of the Father.
I resolve to work even more eagerly to be a worthy vessel for the use of the Father.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for making me an instrument of your peace for the glory of your name. Teach me to surrender and submit my will to yours always and to allow your hand to lead and to guide me as I walk along, help be to be a worthy and valuable instrument for your use and to strive to be better each passing day. Amen.