Vessels of Honor for Christ
Saturday, September 27
Matthew 9:17 (ESV)
“Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.”
Devotion
In Courteney Bence’s sermon, she highlighted that a blessing or calling often precedes a season of breaking. We may resist this breaking before the multiplication occurs. Romans 9:19-24 speaks of vessels for honor and dishonor, with wineskins being another term for vessels. When we surrender to Christ, we become vessels of His light and love, shining for the world to see. Sometimes, we must be broken and reshaped to carry His multiplication to others.
How are we displaying Christ’s light and love to those in need? Do we offer love or judgment? Do we engage with reason or condemnation? Do we love people while rejecting their sin? Are we eager for them to know the Lord? Can we address their sins yet still show love? Are we reflecting the truth of God’s love? Charlie Kirk exemplified a vessel of honor, inspiring others through his words and actions, always speaking without hatred. He was salt and light in our world.
We must prioritize God and step forward. Charlie showed us that all followers of Jesus are called to the Great Commission in some way. He boldly shared the hope within him. Do you? If we don’t proclaim Jesus’ truth, who will?
Romans 10:14-15 asks, “How can they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching?” The key is that God uses us to share His message so others can hear it. But are we open to letting Him break and remake us? Do our hearts need breaking or softening to be ready?
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the new wine in Jesus and for Your ability to transform us into new wineskins. Show me where my attachment to old things is dead tradition or empty ways of life handed down by my forefathers. You are the potter, and I am the clay. Make me a vessel of honor in service of my Master, Jesus. Make me capable of not just holding the new wine of Jesus, but increase my skill, wisdom, zeal, and anointing by Your Holy Spirit to share the new wine of Jesus with others. I confess that I slip into the flesh and often shrink back or botch many opportunities. Be with me and change me by Your Word and Your Holy Spirit to make the most of every opportunity. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Reflect on how you can be a vessel of honor for Christ. Consider areas in your life where God may need to break old habits or mindsets to make you a new wineskin, ready to carry His message. Pray for boldness to share the truth of Jesus with others, and seek opportunities to demonstrate His love through your actions and words.
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