The Person Whom God Honors

Time and time again God has shown humanity that all people are instruments in His hand to fulfill His set purpose. God has chosen people that by all standards wouldn't have stood the chance of redemption or forgiveness according to our human standards. People like Jacob, Jephtah, Samson, Gideon, David, Mary the sister of Martha, Mary Magdalene, Paul and so many more, would not have been given the time of day on any pulpit in our congregation today. Their names would definitely not find its way into the hall of faith in our time because they do not fulfill our idea of who is qualified to be. But these were people that God used mightily in their days and commended as people that lived lives that pleased Him. Thus, when God spoke through Paul about the various kinds of vessels that are found in His house and could be used for noble and ignoble purposes in 2Timothy 2:20, He was referring to the extent to which God could transform the most wretched of sinners and the condemned to mighty instruments that showcases the glory and boundless love of God to humanity. However, the deciding factor is: “So if anyone purifies himself from these things, he will be a special instrument set apart, useful to the Master; prepared for every good work” (2Timothy 2:21).

What separates these vessels in purpose in verse 20 was not the quality of what they were made up but the degree of their willingness to be cleansed from all impurity. The truth is God cannot be mocked nor can this be faked as God sees and weighs all. 2Timothy 2: 19 states clearly: “Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, having this inscription: The Lord knows those who are His, and everyone who names the name of the Lord must turn away from unrighteousness”. Therefore, there must be a conscious choice and effort in the heart of the vessel to deliberately turn away from every form of impurity. It is not about how qualified, rich, advanced or well read one is, but a conscious turning away from unrighteousness that makes a person to be qualified for every good work prepared in advance by the Lord for such to do. Sadly, so many have been disqualified because this verse had been an Achilles heel for them. There are so many wonderful vessels that have refused to turn away from useless and vile things and turn to the Lord to be used for His glory.

Friend, quietly ponder, what kind of vessel are you? It is not a confessing thing but an action must take place! Maybe, Heaven is waiting on you to know the vessel you are made of so you could fulfill your destiny. The cub of a lion is a lion however if it runs and lives with ducks it will behave as one, its looks notwithstanding. However, the day it realizes it is a lion, then it will begin to function as one. To maintain our nobility, verse 22 tells us to “Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart”. Then Proverbs 2:21 went on to promise us: “the one who pursues righteousness and faithful love will find life, righteousness and honor”. God will indeed honor such and use him or her as a worthy instrument indeed! God bless you as you embark on this journey with Him.