Instrument in God’s Hands

Being Useful to the Master

Instruments for Noble Purposes

Purity: The Foundation for Noble Service

Availability: Being Ready for God’s Call

Daily Dedication: A Life of Consistent Service

John Stott once said, “No higher honour could be imagined than to be an instrument in the hand of Jesus Christ, to be at his disposal for the furtherance of his purposes, to be available whenever wanted for his service.” This profound statement calls us to consider what it means to be “Useful to the Master,” a theme Paul touches on in his second letter to Timothy, where he writes, “If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21, NLT).

To be “instruments for noble purposes” requires a heart fully surrendered to God’s service, and this surrender is not a one-time event. It begins with dedicating your life to Jesus Christ and is sustained by a daily re-dedication to His purposes. As we yield ourselves to God, we become like vessels, containers prepared to carry His blessings to others. St. Paul uses this beautiful image when he urges believers to “become the kind of container God can use to present any and every kind of gift to his guests for their blessing” (2 Timothy 2:20–21, MSG).

But how do we become these vessels that are ready for the Master’s use?

Three steps to being instruments for noble purposes:

1. Purity and Preparation

Paul emphasizes the need for purity in his letter to Timothy, urging believers to cleanse themselves from anything that would hinder their usefulness to God. Purity is not just about moral cleanliness; it also involves aligning our hearts and minds with God’s truth. As we daily immerse ourselves in His Word and seek to walk in obedience, we allow God to prepare us for the noble work He has in store.

Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. When we remove the clutter of sin and distractions, we make room for God to work through us. Like vessels set apart for special occasions, we become ready to carry out His plans.

2. Availability and Willingness

John Stott’s statement about being “at His disposal” highlights a key aspect of being useful to the Master: availability. Too often, we fill our lives with our own ambitions, leaving little room for God to interrupt our plans. Yet, to be an instrument in His hand requires a posture of willingness and openness to whatever He asks.

Isaiah responded to God’s call with, “Here I am. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8). This is the attitude we are called to have—one that says, “Lord, I am ready and willing for You to use me however and whenever You choose.” Availability is not about having all the right skills or knowing exactly what to do; it’s about being present, open, and ready to follow His lead.

3. Ongoing Dedication

Just as we dedicate our lives to Christ when we are born again, we are also called to consistently renew our commitment to His service. Jesus’ parable of the talents reminds us that faithfulness is not measured by a single act of devotion but by a lifetime of consistent service. We must daily surrender our desires, ambitions, and fears, trusting that His plans for us are far greater than anything we could imagine.

In Romans 12:1, Paul exhorts us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is our true and proper worship. This ongoing dedication keeps us aligned with God’s purposes and available for His use, even when the path ahead is unclear.

Conclusion

There is no higher honour than to be an instrument in the hand of Jesus Christ, available for His noble purposes. Becoming useful to the Master begins with a heart of purity, an attitude of availability, and a posture of ongoing dedication. As we walk with Him daily, we trust that He will fill our lives with His power and presence, enabling us to bring His gifts and blessings to a world in need.

Are you ready to be at His disposal? Let us pray for the grace to be vessels for His glory, prepared for every good work He has planned for us.

“Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:20–21, ESV)

Prayer:

Lord, I offer my life to You today. Cleanse me, purify my heart, and make me an instrument for Your noble purposes. Help me to be available, willing, and dedicated to Your service. May I bring Your peace, love, and light to the world around me. Use me for Your glory, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Open and Shut Doors

Open and Shut Doors 

 Following the Spirit's Guidance

Lessons from Paul and Silas

In Acts 16:6-8, we read about Paul and Silas on their second missionary journey through Phrygia and Galatia. During this journey, the Holy Spirit directed them not to enter Asia and Bithynia. This divine intervention highlights a critical aspect of Christian living: recognizing and following the Holy Spirit's guidance.

Acts 16:6-8 (NIV) tells us, "Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas."

The Significance of Open and Shut Doors

Throughout Christian history, we see examples of God's guidance through both open and shut doors. David Livingstone, who initially wanted to go to China, was directed by God to Africa. William Carey, who had plans for Polynesia, was sent to India. Similarly, Adoniram Judson set out for India but was guided by God to Burma. These stories exemplify how God places us in the right place at the right time.

Proverbs 16:9 (NIV) reminds us, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." When doors close, it can be challenging to understand why. Is it an obstacle from the enemy or a redirection from the Holy Spirit? It is through prayer and seeking God's wisdom that we discern His plans.

Paul's journey continues with a vision of a man from Macedonia calling for help. This vision convinced Paul that the Holy Spirit was leading them to Macedonia. Acts 16:9-10 (NIV) says, "During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.' After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them."

The Fruit of Following God's Guidance

Upon arriving in Philippi, Paul and his companions met Lydia, a wealthy businesswoman, and other women. They opened their hearts to Paul's message, were baptized, and Lydia offered her home for Paul and his companions to stay. Acts 16:14-15 (NIV) records, "One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home."

This encounter not only provided a place for Paul and his companions to stay but also facilitated the growth of the early Christian community in Philippi. Lydia and her friends played a crucial role in the ministry and expansion of the church.

Trusting in God's Plan

When we face closed doors, we can find comfort in knowing that God is guiding us to the right path. Paul's experience teaches us to trust in God's timing and direction. His letters to the churches, written during his imprisonment in Rome, have become a significant part of the New Testament, offering guidance and inspiration to Christians around the world. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Open our eyes to see Your hand leading us as we discern Your plans for our lives. Grant us the wisdom to recognize Your guidance through both open and closed doors. Strengthen us to remain faithful to the growth and ministry of the church, even when we encounter obstacles along the way.

Amen.

Suffering Servant

“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” Isaiah‬ ‭53:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Today many of us Christians drive in cars, wear nice clothes, and live in beautiful homes. Yet Jesus our leader had no where to lay His head. The path that he chose was a path of simplicity and poverty. His 3 year ministry was nomadic and was probably a stranger to many in his early part of His ministry. He most likely did not have any worldly possessions, like a donkey or a horse. He almost certainly had only two or three sets of clothes and the sandals he wore. Isaiah says, "He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” If He were to pass by us, would we recognize Him? Is there anyone alive today who can tell us what Jesus really looked like? Was it really important to us what He looked like? Probably because everybody grew beards, Judas had to be paid to identify Jesus after sundown.

We know more about the spiritual image of Jesus than his physical appearance. His spiritual beauty that was calm, peaceful, gentle, loving and compassionate was outstanding. Isaiah 7:14 says, “a virgin shall conceive a child and He shall be called Immanuel (God with us).” That is what Christ was a fulfillment of this oft repeated prophesy. God with us. Following the ascension of Christ, early Christians came to sense the joy of Christian living, by surrendering all they had to live in communities that loved and cared for each other. This living presence of Christ is still seen today in the life of those who surrender themselves to Him to live a life that is pleasing to Him.

When the movie Passion was being released many of us were fearful of going and seeing the movie because of the dehumanizing graphic violent scenes being portrayed on the screen. Did the director Mel Gibson exaggerate the suffering that Jesus went through? Was the focus more on the brutal violence or the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross? The beating that Jesus endured in the movie would probably have killed him even before He was nailed to the cross. Which is more important the suffering and death of Jesus or his new life and resurrection? Haven’t there been many innocent people who have endured brutal scourging and death before and after Jesus? What sets Jesus apart from the rest (Luke 22:19-20)?

When Jesus was led away from the whipping chambers, he was presumably bleeding and in great pain. The words of Isaiah prophesied with astounding precision, "He was so marred that it was hard to recognize Him (Isaiah 52:13- 53:9).” When Jesus repeated this prophesy before his crucifixion for the third time, the disciples did not understand what He meant (Luke 18:31-34). God greatly glorified Jesus for the suffering He endured on the cross. The way Jesus chose was not won by toppling the Roman rule on Israel, but through suffering, pain, torment, and death on the cross. What seemed like an eminent defeat was declared a victory when Jesus rose from the dead.

“He was wounded and crushed because of our sins; by taking our punishment, he made us completely well. All of us were like sheep that had wandered off. We had each gone our own way, but the Lord gave him the punishment we deserved.” Isaiah‬ ‭53:5-6‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Jesus suffered and died for us so that we may enjoy the riches of God’s Kingdom (1 Peter 1:19; Hebrews 9:22-28). God so loved the world that He sent Jesus so that we may be saved through Him and have everlasting life (John 3:16). It is like a family name, property, and traits which we inherit down through generations. We are identified by our family name. So also at the name of Jesus all of us have been invited to become a part of the family of God and have been given the gift of everlasting life. Isaiah 53:5 says with amazing precision about the reason for Jesus’ suffering, “he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the punishment that brought our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Today we can affirm with all our fellow believers the words of Paul from Galatians 2:20, “I am crucified with Jesus: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Jesus lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

Gentle Servant

When Christ healed the man with the deformed hand on Sabbath the Pharisee's were up in arms (Matthew 12:9-21). They cried out that the Jesus was a law breaker. He had done work on the Sabbath. The rules that the Pharisees so faithfully professed to follow, had overlooked the dire need of those sick and suffering. The law did not show grace to those who were deprived, deformed, hurting, hungry, or poor. Success in our world today is determined by how much power we have. We live in a Society that’s strives for power and not equality.

In our mad rush to attain power we will resort to any means necessary to gain power. We beg, borrow, or even steal to attain it. If we look at our political leaders they will say anything in order to be elected. They justify it by saying, they represent the people, and want to do what they think is best for the people. Truth and justice are sidelines for winning power and prestige in the world. The unfortunate state of affairs is when leaders come to power and become proud and narcissistic. They eventually exploit the ones they have power over and accuse their adversaries.

To their treacherous accusations Christ answered them with a small parable. If one of us had a sheep and it fell into a hole on Sabbath would we abandon it? We would definitely pull it out. So also Christ our Good Shepherd will never let go of our hands. He will gently lead us and guide us through our life journey. Just as He healed the deformed hand, He will restore our deformed lives.

This act of compassion enraged the Pharisee's so much that they wanted to kill Jesus. When Jesus came to know of their plans He just left that place; for the time had not come for Him to die. He also warned the people to not tell others who He was lest they follow after Him just to be healed, or to make Him their leader to revolt against the Roman Empire. Do we follow Christ to get ahead in this world or to build the Kingdom of God?

Lent is a time when we reflect on Christ's life, death, and resurrection. Just as Christ could heal the hand of a man that was deformed, so also has He promised that He will raise us up from the dead just as He raised Himself up from His grave by the power of the Holy Spirit. St. Paul in Romans 6:19-23 tried to make us understand our relationship with Christ by saying, that just as we used to offer ourselves to be servants of wickedness let us now offer our selves to Christ as servants of righteousness that leads to a holy and an eternal life. This is God's gift to us all, an eternal life in Christ. Christ was very gentle and kind to every body. He could easily have attacked the Pharisees with his divine powers. Yet He endured their mocking and deception and gently tried to make the whole world come to a new and strong relationship with the living God (Isaiah 42:1-9).

Charisma

In today’s world the word charisma is used in many different contexts. There are many who view it as personal appeal or magnetism. Is charisma about style, power or money? Are people viewed as being charismatic because of the car they drive, the clothes they wear, or the circle of friends they move in? Beauty seen only externally could have repercussions on our own sense of self-worth. We may be led to have a false image of ourselves or to believe we have certain limitations which make it impossible to live spiritually. 

 St. Paul does not view charisma as being the self confidence that exudes from us because we are a trendsetter or the best in our field. The charisma St. Paul refers to is the spiritual gifts God gives us, which He uses for the building of the church (Romans 12: 1-10). These gifts will be evident in a person’s life, work and virtues. It is through these gifts that we as fellow believers come to know and experience at some point a spiritual dimension of Christ. The song We are one in the spirit, We are one in the Lord comes to mind as I think of the spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit helps us develop. The chorus says They will know we are Christians by our love. It is by the love for our Lord Jesus Christ that we are all bound together as one. Our God-given spiritual gifts enable us to care for one another and unite us in the one Body. How do we bring out the latent gifts and talents God has given us for the growth of those around us and ourselves? St. Paul identifies the gifts that all of us can easily work on building up within us as:    

Loving - Jesus highlighted His ministry with the commandment for his disciples to love God and their neighbors. Charles Wesley wrote the hymn “Amazing love! How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?” It is when we realize the full extent of what Christ did for us that we will be able to effectively express our love for God and our neighbors. In 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 St. Paul says that all our gifts maybe done away with but the greatest gift we have, love, will stay with us forever. 

Forgiving - It is critical for Christians to forgive those who have hurt them in some way. It is very difficult to build a relationship within the Body of Christ if we carry these burdens of resentment and grief with us. They always come back to haunt us. We need to show mercy just as God has shown mercy to us. St. Paul is calling us to cheerfully show mercy and forgive. 

Encouraging - A Christian should encourage fellow believers to follow in the way that God has set before them. Encouragement is the ability to get the children of God moving despite their setbacks to do the will of God. Barnabas was one who had this exceptional gift and was credited with having mentored and encouraged St. Paul in the initial stages of his new life in Christ. 

Giving – I am reminded of the drummer boy who had nothing to offer the baby Jesus but his heart and drumbeat, and the most famous parable of Christ where the widow’s mite was considered as being generous. St. Paul says that we should give with simplicity and not make a big show of what we have done. When we keep account of how much we are giving we become more focused on that, leading to pride in our giving. It is not important how much we give in the world’s eyes. What is important is how much we sacrifice in God’s eyes. 

Serving – This is a gift where we serve those who are in need because we feel the Holy Spirit within us prompting us to reach out to them. When James and John asked Jesus if they could sit on the thrones next to Jesus, the disciples were clearly distressed with that request. Jesus clearly indicated that leadership must start with servanthood on earth. Jesus said that He gave his life on earth to serve and not to be served (Mathew 20:20-28). The gift to serve is exemplified in the lives of Mother Teresa who cared for the dying, and President Carter who builds for the homeless. They dedicated their lives to serve specific groups of people who are in need. 

 It is when people see these gifts manifested in us that they will see the need to become fellow believers. They will clearly see that we live lives not for own glory but to bring glory to Christ Jesus by following the way he has set before us. As we grow spiritually do we find ourselves being blessed with multiple gifts? Do we see new ways that enable us to build the body and help to groom others who have similar gifts? It is through the process of developing our spiritual gifts that we become more conscious of the needs of those around us. When we realize the need for each other, and that we belong to one another, that we come to experience the unity in the Body of Christ.