pure vessels

“Look with wonder at the depth of the Father’s marvelous love that He has lavished on us! He has called us and made us His very own beloved children. The reason the world doesn’t recognize who we are is that they didn’t recognize Him. Beloved, we are God’s children right now; however, it is not yet apparent what we will become. But we do know that when it is finally made visible, we will be just like Him, for we will see him as he truly is. And all who focus their hope on Him will always be purifying themselves, just as Jesus is pure.”

-1 John 3:1‭-‬3 

As children of the living God, God has set His everlasting love upON us (Jer 31:3) and removed all of our sins, mistakes, and transgressions. For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ (2 Cor 5:21). Psalm 103:12 says that, "He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west." Because of the blood of Jesus, we stand before the holy perfect God of the Bible holy and perfect. For by one sacrifice, He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy (Hebrews 10:14). How profound. We are forever blameless before the eyes of the Father because of the faithfulness of Jesus Christ (Eph 1:4). We are holy because of the agape love and passionate commitment of Jesus Christ. We are accepted in the Beloved through the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:5 says that this was what God wanted to do and it brought Him great pleasure. We now seek to live in a way that pleases the Father…. We pursue purity because He is pure. We desire to walk as He walks (1 John 2:6). Ultimately, just as the prophet Isaiah said in a Davidic way, "Our hearts desire is to glorify His Name" (Isaiah 26:8). This takes us to the topic of honor. We want to be pure Vessels of honor. Consider the words of Pastor Timothy: "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" (II Timothy 2:20‭-‬21). We all have a past. We have all lived lives at times that dishonored the Lord Jesus. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But the redeeming grace, mercy, and kindness of Christ has given us new life in the Holy Spirit: "Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But— When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace He made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life (Titus 3:3‭-‬7). 

So, we have totally new lives in Christ. We are a new Creation in Him! The old is gone and new has come, forever..... Well, you say, Andrew I don't feel new. My mind and conscience still feel the same. Remember to continually renew your mind with His word...! Christ has cleanse even your conscience beloved: Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 9:14). We have been literally bought with a high price! The precious Blood of Jesus: "Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19‭-‬20). We are vessels carrying the treasure of the kingdom. The Holy Spirit of God. He lives in us, and will be with us, forever. So, the goal now is to house Him well. Just as we received Jesus as Lord, we must walk in Him. Live for Him. He knows are weaknesses in will strengthen us as we surrender completely to the Spirit. He is our High Priest who makes Intercession for us. He Himself has said, "I will NEVER leave nor forsake you." We have an advocate, Helper, and friend forever: "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever— the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive [and take to its heart] because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He (the Holy Spirit) remains with you continually and will be in you" (John 14:16‭-‬17). “

So, beloved in the Lord, may we continue to walk graciously and humbly with the King of glory. Remember that you carry this great treasure within. Jesus has purified you and betrothed you to Himself. I am reminded of the words that Lord spoke to me during my last year in the Army, 2020/2021 in the middle of the night: “Purify yourself, I Am coming….”

Prayer: Father, Your Name be honored as Holy….. Thank You for your grace, mercy, love, and patience. Thank you for purifying and empowering Your people. Lord bless every reader in a mighty way. May Your favor be upon them. Draw them closer to You. Fill them with Your Spirit. In Jesus Name. Amen