CHOOSE ME!

BY MICHELLE GOH

        Whenever we play games where team members are chosen, we all want to be the one that’s picked first for our strengths and superior abilities, an asset that will help our team win. When we go for auditions and interviews, we hope we have done well enough to show how we are worthy of being chosen. Yet in God’s kingdom, and in the Bible, that’s often not the case. Time and time again in the Bible, we see how God chose those who are considered weak, lowly and foolish in the world to shame those who are thought to be the strong, proud and wise in the eyes of the world.

       The following poem is about being a vessel for the Lord to use. Over the years, I have found it useful to help me reflect on my own attitudes and values when I think about wanting to be chosen, and wanting to serve Him based on what I’m confident of and good at. I have also found it to be a good reminder when I serve with others and how I think of my fellow brothers and sisters-in-Christ as I serve alongside them, or when I think about who I want to work with or ask to help with a project or ministry. May this poem be an encouragement and reminder, and speak to you as you think about yourself and others…

THE CHOSEN VESSEL

by Beulah V. Cornwall

The Master was searching for a vessel to use;

On the shelf there were many - which one would He choose?

Take me, cried the gold one, I'm shiny and bright,

I'm of great value and I do things just right.

My beauty and luster will outshine the rest

And for someone like You, Master, gold would be the best!

The Master passed on with no word at all;

He looked at a silver urn, narrow and tall;

I'll serve You, dear Master, I'll pour out Your wine

And I'll be at Your table whenever You dine,

My lines are so graceful, my carvings so true,

And my silver will always compliment You.

Unheeding the Master passed on to the brass,

It was widemouthed and shallow, and polished like glass.

Here! Here! cried the vessel, I know I will do,

Place me on Your table for all men to view.

Look at me, called the goblet of crystal so clear,

My transparency shows my contents so dear,

Though fragile am I, I will serve You with pride,

And I'm sure I'll be happy in Your house to abide.

The Master came next to a vessel of wood,

Polished and carved, it solidly stood.

You may use me, dear Master, the wooden bowl said,

But I'd rather You used me for fruit, not for bread!

Then the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay.

Empty and broken it helplessly lay.

No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose,

To cleanse and make whole, to fill and to use.

Ah! This is the vessel I've been hoping to find,

I will mend and use it and make it all Mine.

I need not the vessel with pride of its self;

Nor the one who is narrow to sit on the shelf;

Nor the one who is bigmouthed and shallow and loud;

Nor one who displays his contents so proud;

Not the one who thinks he can do all things just right;

But this plain earthy vessel filled with My power and might.

Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay.

Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day.

Spoke to it kindly. There's work you must do,

Just pour out to others as I pour into you.

       This really sums up what the Lord God Almighty wants from us. Not to be proud and loud and think we can do it on our own, but to be humble servants and let Him work in us and through us. Please do not think that God cannot use you. He is looking for those who humble themselves and seek after Him. He is able to make and shape you into the best vessel imaginable. This poem has encouraged me and reminded me that when we think about being used by God and serving Him and others, let us not dwell too much on our strengths and abilities (and ‘giftings’) or our weaknesses, how we are not as good as others and found to be lacking. Let us look at Christ and ask Him how He wants to use us, help us die to our sinful, selfish selves, empty ourselves of our pride and insecurities so that He can fill us with His Spirit and reveal Himself through us.

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” - 2 Corinthians 4:7

“You complain of weakness, feebleness, of emptiness.

Never mind, that is what you are made for –

to be an emptied vessel in which God can put His fullness and His strength.”                        

Andrew Murray