Today’s Author: Christer Cederberg
In 1 Kings 8:4 the priests and the Levites bring the holy vessels. The vessel, in the Bible, can be a container, a ship, or even a person whom God calls and uses as a vessel. How can we become God’s vessel? When can we use a vessel?
Even a perfectly built house at some point will need maintenance and repair. Back in early 2010, in a cold snowy winter, our Church sprung a leak. Our roof had served beyond its expected life. Water was not just dripping inside — it was streaming into many rooms and filling many buckets.
Volunteers kept emptying buckets, as the melting snow added new water. But then we found the ginormous Lavex vessel – our savior – as it would last a whole four hours before it was full and needed to be rolled outside and emptied (day and night) by dedicated members. After this water leak, we created the Bucket Fund to set aside money for unexpected maintenance. Remember that if someone asks you for money for our roof, try to be that vessel and donate as you can.
Let us pray…
A prayer of Martin Luther (ELW p. 87)
Behold, Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it. I am weak in the faith; strengthen me. I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent, that my love may go out to my neighbor. I do not have a strong and firm faith; at times I doubt and am unable to trust you altogether. O Lord, help me. Strengthen my faith and trust in you. In you I have sealed the treasure of all I have. I am poor; you are rich and came to be merciful to the poor. I am a sinner; you are upright. With me, there is an abundance of sin; in you is the fullness of righteousness. Therefore I will remain with you, of whom I can receive, but to whom I may not give. Amen.
“Mid-week devotions are authored by members of our community. If you are interested in creating a trio of reflections to be shared on an upcoming Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday contact Pastor Peter.“