A Chosen Vessel

The Master was searching for a vessel to use.
Before Him were many, which one would he choose?

"Take me," cried the gold one,
"I'm shiny and bright.
I am of great value, and I do things just right.

My beauty and luster will outshine the rest
And for someone like You, Master, Gold would be best."

The Master passed on with no word at all
And looked at a silver urn, narrow and tall.

"I'll serve you dear Master, I'll pour out your wine.
I'll be on your table, whenever you dine.

My lines are so gracefuly, my carvings so true
And silver will certainly compliment you."

Unheeding, the Master passed on to the vessel of brass.
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,
"Though fragile am I, I will serve you with fear."

The Master came next to the 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 on a vessel of clay.
Empty and broken it helplessly lay.

No hope ad the vessel that the Master might choose
to clease and make whole, to fill and to use.

"Oh, this is is the vessel I've been hoping to find!
I'll mend it and use it and make it all mine.

I need not the vessel with the pride of itself.
Nor the one that is narrow, to sit on the shelf,
Nor one that is big-mouthed and shallow and lour,
Nor one that displays its fine contents so proud."

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."

(Note -- I shared this poem this morning in my sermon. Several people asked if they could get a copy of it -- so I'm posting it here. I don't have any information on the author. I first heard it delivered by John Maxwell several years ago -- and have had it in my files since.)