Becoming a Pliable Vessel
Matthew 9:17 (NIV)
17 Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.
2 Timothy 2:20-21 (NIV)
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
New wine requires new wineskins. God cannot pour His new anointing into our old, hardened vessels. Like ancient wineskins that became rigid after use, we can become inflexible through routine religion and comfortable Christianity. Remaining pliable requires fresh oil, hot tears, and compassionate hearts. It means being moved by God's Word, responsive to His Spirit, and willing to stretch beyond our comfort zones. God wants to do something fresh in you, but He needs a flexible vessel. Are you still crying at altars? Still raising hands in worship? Still moved with compassion for the lost? Don't become an old wineskin that never responds. Stay soft, stay hungry, stay pliable.
Reflection Question: In what area have you become "hardened" spiritually, and how can you become pliable again?
17 Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.
2 Timothy 2:20-21 (NIV)
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
New wine requires new wineskins. God cannot pour His new anointing into our old, hardened vessels. Like ancient wineskins that became rigid after use, we can become inflexible through routine religion and comfortable Christianity. Remaining pliable requires fresh oil, hot tears, and compassionate hearts. It means being moved by God's Word, responsive to His Spirit, and willing to stretch beyond our comfort zones. God wants to do something fresh in you, but He needs a flexible vessel. Are you still crying at altars? Still raising hands in worship? Still moved with compassion for the lost? Don't become an old wineskin that never responds. Stay soft, stay hungry, stay pliable.
Reflection Question: In what area have you become "hardened" spiritually, and how can you become pliable again?
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