Yes, my friends. That’s exactly what you are!
If you ever feel less than desirable to God, this is a reminder that you are the one He has chosen.
You are His chosen vessel, even if you don’t feel like it, look like it, or think you’ve been broken too many times. If you belong to God, He has chosen YOU for His beautiful work.
In fact, He created you to be who you are, where you are, and when you are on this planet at this particular season of your life. Acts 17:26 confirms this truth!
Acts 17:26 (CSB)
“From one man he has made every nationality
to live over the whole earth
and has determined their appointed times
and the boundaries of where they live.”
Isn’t that a comfort?
You may look around and think that others are prettier, smarter, more talented, more this or that… or wish you lived there, not here… or then, not now. But you, dear friend, are in the Master’s loving hands, and He will fill you with everything He needs to bless the lives around you through you. He is good like that!
This beautiful Christian Classic poem was written around 1967 by Beulah V. Cornwall. It’s most widely known as “The Chosen Vessel,” though sometimes it is titled “The Vessel” or “The Master’s Choice.” Whatever you call it, it’s a timely word of encouragement for all of us today.
Much love to each of you, God’s precious chosen vessels~
The Chosen Vessel
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 wide-mouthed 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 big-mouthed 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.”
By Beulah V. Cornwall
“My times are in Your hands…” Psalm 31:15
