20 now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. [2 timothy 2:20-21]
i want to encourage you to memorize these two verses. we are going to sit in these verses over the next several days and pray that God would allow us to see his overwhelming beauty and power, his provision, and our need. if you have never memorized a passage of scripture – what a great time to start! here are some ideas to help you get started:
- write it out in a journal or note card so you can see it often this week.
- read it over and over and over.
- break it down. go after one verse (vs 20), or one phrase, then the next verse or phrase.
- talk about it to others.
- finally, let it drive your prayers. as you pray, the recall of this verse will grow and grow!
as we walk into this verse and all it holds for us, let us look behind the scenes at the one who built the house and continues to build the house and prepares every vessel for use. read through this passage from the book of hebrews and let it wash over you. below are a few thoughts and questions as you sit in God’s presence. before you read, ask God to open your heart: to expose it to his supreme beauty, your righteousness in Christ, and to your sin and need for the power of the Spirit today.
1 therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, 2 who was faithful to him who appointed him, just as moses also was faithful in all God’s house. 3 for Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself. 4 (for every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.) 5 now moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later, 6 but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope. [hebrews 3:1-6]
- where do you see the supreme beauty of God? sit in his glory that he has shown you and worship him, praise him for who he is for a moment. Lord fill my heart with the wonder of your beauty and let my lips then be full of your praise!
- where do you see your righteousness in Christ? rest in your righteousness in Jesus for a moment. ask God for a deeper belief today in what he has shown you. Lord help me believe i am who you say i am in Christ!
- where do you see your need for the power of the Spirit today? where do you see your sin nature tempting or erupting in you? where do you need the healing power of the Spirit so you can taste forgiveness and have the strength to run to Jesus today, who alone satisfies? Lord turn our eyes to you through the power of your Spirit. fill us with your forgiveness. may your Spirit allow us to taste and enjoy your presence that forgives, heals, and empowers. come Spirit – fill us with your power today!
~ john ryan