"In a large house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some are for honorable use, while others are for ordinary use." (2 Timothy, Ch. 2, V. 20*)
"Whoever is wise will understand these things! Whoever is discerning will know them, for the ways of the Lord are right, and the righteous walk in them, but transgressors will stumble in them." (Hosea, Ch. 14, V. 10*)
Maybe all people approach new acquaintances the same way. At first, while we haven't gotten to know the person, we maintain a certain, even minimal, distance until we determine whether the person opposite us is "safe" or not. What does "safe" mean? Whether the person opposite can be trusted, whether they are sincere, just, well-intentioned, responsible, and loyal, or openhearted.
Once we have more observations of the person, we decide whether to let them into our closer circle of acquaintances or to move away to a safe distance.
The first "sieve" through which all of our relationships pass is that of security. Therefore, we've created labels for people to know who should be close and who should be distant.
"He lied in that situation, so he's a liar."
"She gossiped about her friend in front of others, so she's a gossip."
"He let me down once when I needed him, so he's a traitor."
We draw conclusions about others based on their behavior, and there's nothing wrong with that, because even Jesus says: "By their fruits you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit." (Matthew, Ch. 7, V. 16-17*)
On the other hand, even correctly assigned labels can prevent us from seeing people's place in God's plan and leave us isolated or blind to the bigger picture.
One way or another, even individuals like King Nebuchadnezzar, Emperor Darius, Julius Caesar, or even Lenin and Hitler have played key roles in God's plan. Today, we look at some with admiration and others with regret that they ever existed, but in God's larger picture and plan, we can see how He places each individual, each "vessel" exactly where it belongs, with its specific use at the right time.
The Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar, who is a pagan, is called "My servant" by God in the book of the prophet Jeremiah: "Now I will give all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, My servant. I have also given him the beasts of the field to serve him. All nations shall serve him, his son, and his grandson, until the time of his own land comes when many nations and great kings shall make him their slave." (Jeremiah, Ch. 27, V. 6-7*, bold is ours)
To the Persian king Cyrus, the Lord says through the prophet Isaiah: "I am the one who says of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd,' and he shall fulfill all my purpose; saying of Jerusalem, 'She shall be built,' and of the temple, 'Your foundation shall be laid.'" (Isaiah, Ch. 44, V. 28*)
Why does God have such an approach toward some pagan kings who also bow down to idols and have even enslaved His people? Why does He consider them His servants and vessels? The explanation is again seen in Isaiah when it is prophesied of King Cyrus: "I will give you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me, for the sake of my servant Jacob, of my chosen one Israel." (Isaiah, Ch. 45, V. 4*)
Did the people of Israel see in Nebuchadnezzar or Cyrus God's servants? Do you see God's vessels in the faces of people who hurt and harm? Is it possible that in the grand scheme of your life God places and uses such people, whom you never wanted to meet or know, for your ultimate good? Indeed, they too are "vessels" in His hands.
Challenge for the week: Do you have a favorite coffee mug? Or one you always avoid using because it is uncomfortable, old, or you simply don't like it, but haven't thrown away yet? Could you drink your coffee in that old, unloved mug this new week? Let it remind you every morning of the message you read today. God can use anyone and anything in your life for your good; we are all vessels in His hand.
*The Bible quotes are according to the text of the Bible, new translation from the original languages © Bulgarian Bible Society 2013.
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