2 Tim. 2:20-21 (The Message) In a well-furnished kitchen there are not only crystal goblets and silver platters, but waste cans and compost buckets…some containers used to serve fine meals, others to take out the garbage. [21] Become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing.

Wow! Look at all these things in God's kitchen. Goblets, tea pots, platters, cups, chalices, every imaginable container in all kinds of shapes and sizes. There's even a fondue pot here…one which actually looks like it gets used.

Which of these vessels is most like me? I am definitely not a chalice. Too fancy. As I look around at all the crystal, gold, silver, fine china and polished brass, I don't see anything the feels like it fits me. Maybe I am more like this plain old ceramic soup tureen over here under the cupboard. Lord, is this one me?

God uses all these vessels for his purposes…even the garbage can under the sink. I see some really dirty dishes over there in the corner. I'll bet God can even use those for good…even if only as bad examples to the rest of us.

In both the NRSV and NIV translations, verse 21 mentions that if I cleanse myself, I allow myself to become an instrument for noble purposes. Some of that is my choice, and some of that is the work of Christ in me. When I walk to the sink I have to choose to use the soap. Once that choice is made, it is the soap and water which cleanses my hands.  No prob. I get that.

So here I am dear Jesus. I am walking to the sink. I am declaring my desire to be cleansed. Come beside me and show me how to clean up this soup pot of mine. Show me how to accept more of your love-soup so that those at the table can dip the ladle and not come up empty.