March 29 - Broken Vessels of Light

 Read today’s texts first: Judges 6,7; Psalms 52; 1 Corinthians 14

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

Hey fellow “Crackpots” - we don’t have to pretend
to have it all together.  His light shining through
our brokenness brings Him glory! 

I loved this song, “Broken Vessels of Light” (1986, Reba Rambo - yeah, I know I’m old!). The tune was cool, Reba was ultra-cool, but it was more than that. The lyrics spoke to me. We are broken, imperfect, clay vessels, yet God chooses to live inside us (2 Cor. 4:7). We don’t have to pretend to have it all together - His light shining through our brokenness brings Him glory.

The story of Gideon is the perfect illustration, or should I say “imperfect” illustration! Here was the youngest of the poorest family in their tribe, hiding from the Midianites. Jesus shows up (the “Angel of The Lord” in the story is likely another Christophany) and calls Gideon a “mighty man of valour.” God always sees us for what we can become in Him! Then, shocker, He asks Gideon to lead Israel against the Midianites and Gideon is sure He’s got the wrong man (6:14,15).

But the best part comes later when he hears about God’s brilliant military strategy. First, reduce your troops from 32,000 to 300. Then, when you are outnumbered 450 to one (8:10 - 135,000 to 300), go to battle carrying the following lethal weapons: a trumpet and a clay pitcher with a lit torch inside. Yeah, right! Those clay pots represented Gideon, his tiny army and the rest of the bedraggled Israelites. When they were broken and dependent on God, His light shone through and their enemies were scattered. That'll preach!

“Lord, I’ve been called a crackpot before, but I’m okay with that if people see Your light shining through those cracks.”