Empty Vessels
By Kurt Bomar
Avery County
2 Kings 4:6 “When all the jars were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another one.” But he replied, “There is not a jar left.” Then the oil stopped flowing.”
To save a widow from bankruptcy, Elisha told her to gather empty vessels and that she would have an unending supply of oil to fill them. This touching story has a lesson that applies to us today.
There are three main characters: a destitute widow, a little oil, and some empty vessels. All three mean something. The widow represents us. Even if you are not facing tough times today, I assure you, you will sometime in the future. That’s just the way life works. Bankruptcy in her day would allow her two young sons to be sold into slavery. That means that the very fate of her family depended on her—and she had no answers. So, she wisely went to the man of God, Elisha for help. The man of God we go to today is Jesus. Even when we don’t see a solution, He has one for us.
The oil represents the Holy Spirit (this is seen all through the Bible). And the empty vessels represent those around us who are also in need of refreshment by the Holy Spirit.
So what happens? As long as she keeps using the oil to fill the empty vessels, it keeps flowing. I suggest to you that as long as we are using our unlimited “filling” of the Holy Spirit to refresh others, the oil will keep flowing.
So what do we need to do? We need to gather as many empty vessels around us as possible. If you feel dry today, could it be because you are focusing on yourself and your own problems and ignoring the empty vessels that are all around you?
When you become burdened for the lost souls of family members, friends, and those you otherwise come in contact with, I believe you will feel the “glug glug glug” of the Holy Spirit filling you. When you look to help those who are less fortunate than you by giving financially, don’t be surprised to hear the “ka-ching” of financial blessings. When you turn off the TV and use that time to minister to those who are hurting (unwed mothers, those in prison, those who are disabled or aged, those struggling with drug addiction, and at-risk children) expect a new level of energy that replaces your current exhaustion of the day.
I believe that was the feeling Jesus felt after he ministered to the woman at the well when he told his disciples (who had just returned with a take-out meal) “I have food that you don’t know about.” He had been refreshed and filled with the Holy Spirit.
Use the pattern set forth by Jesus and this poor widow and the Holy Spirit will fill you and flow from you perpetually!
Selah (think about it)
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Kurt Bomar is the pastor of Walnut Grove Church located in Avery County. You are welcome to join them on Sundays at 11:00 AM for worship! (When we are allowed to meet in the building again). You can read more Christian news from Kurt Bomar HERE.
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