The Chosen Vessel

The Master was searching for a vessel to use:
On the shelf there were many, which one would He choose?
 
"Take me!" cried the gold one, "I'm shiny and bright;
I'm of great value and I do things just right.
My beauty and lustre will outshine the rest,
And for someone like You, Master, gold would be best!"
 
But the Master passed on with no word at all;
He looked at a silver urn, narrow and tall.
 
"I'll serve You, dear Master, I'll pour out Your wine,
And I'll be at Your table whenever You dine.
My lines are so graceful, my carvings so true,
And my silver will always compliment You."
 
Unheeding, the Master passed on to the brass,
It was wide-mouthed and shallow, and polished like glass.
 
"Here! Here!" cried the vessel, "I know I will do,
Place me on Your table for all men to view."
 
"Look at me," called the goblet of crystal so clear,
"My transparency shows my contents so dear.
Though fragile am I, I will serve You with pride,
I'm sure I'll be happy in Your house to abide."
 
The Master came next to a vessel of wood,
Polished and carved, it solidly stood.
 
"You may use me, dear Master," the wooden bowl said,
"But I'd rather You used me for fruit, not for bread."
 
Then the Master looked down at a vessel of clay;
Empty and broken it helplessly lay.
No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose,
To cleanse and make whole, to fill and to use.
 
"Ah! This is the vessel I've been hoping to find,
I will mend and use it and make it all Mine.
I need not the vessel with pride of itself;
Nor the one who is narrow to sit on the shelf;
Nor the one who is bigmouthed and shallow and loud;
Nor the one who thinks he can do all things just right;
But this plain earthly vessel filled with My power and might."
 
Then gently He lifted the vessel of clay,
Mended and cleansed it and filled it that day.
Spoke to it kindly, "There's work you must do,
Just pour out to others as I pour into you."
~Author Known to God~
 
"Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure,
having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.
And let every one that nameth the name of Christ
depart from iniquity.
But in a great house there are not only vessels of
gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth;
and some to honor, and some to dishonor.
If a man therefore purge himself from these,
he shall be a vessel unto honor,
sanctified, and meet for the master's use,
and prepared unto every good work."
2Timothy 2:19-21