Bearing the Vessels of the Lord

Bearing the Vessels of the Lord

“Depart! Depart! Go out from there, touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her, be clean, you who bear the vessels of the Lord.” Isa. 52:11.

There is, without a doubt, nothing greater than receiving grace to bear the vessels of the Lord with their precious contents with which the Lord fills them. “Depart! Depart!” Away from everything that pertains to Babylon. God cannot use impure people to bear His holy and pure vessels for the benefit and glory of those for whom they are intended.

Paul was entrusted with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God. “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” 1 Tim. 1:12. Paul who had formerly been a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man (v. 13), was cleansed on the way to Damascus. He received grace and strength to be the bearer of the light to the Gentiles concerning the mystery which was kept secret since the world began. Rom. 16:25. It takes great strength to keep yourself pure in all areas and not seek your own. Christ Himself has to consider us faithful and put us into the ministry. Paul’s vessel was full of blessings when he came to the Romans. Rom. 15:29.

“But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” 2 Tim. 2:20-21.

We must constantly watch over our cleansing while we are bearing the vessels of the Lord so that we are not defiled by the vessels of dishonor with anything that is impure; for example, backbiting, evil criticism, honor-seeking, dissatisfaction, and laziness. Wisdom is first of all pure (Jas. 3:17), and wisdom knows how to keep herself pure and to serve in purity.

“Be clean, you who bear the vessels of the Lord.” In the ministry we constantly find something that ought to be cleansed away. “Every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:2.

Israel was to bring the offering in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord. Isa. 66:20. No one who had a defect was to come near to offer the bread of his God. Lev. 21:21. There is no greater ministry than to offer the bread of God at the right time. This is true spiritual nourishment for growth and development in the body of Christ.

“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.” Matt. 24:45-47. We will always be aware of a great poverty in our spirit in this exalted ministry on high and holy ground, and a full dependence on Christ who is our Head, so He can work in us both to will and to do of His good pleasure. Phil. 2:13.

“Depart! Depart!” Always forward and richer in the work of the Lord! He is purifying for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Tit. 2:14. “‘Therefore Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.’” 2 Cor. 6:17-18. “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” Ch. 7:1.