"A Chosen Vessel"

"Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel" (Acts 9:15).

-Assistant Dean for Administration and Research, Loma Linda University

I AM A fountain pen. I was created for my master's use, and then he bought me and placed me in a cherished place close to his heart where I rest. 'On occasion he takes me out and tenderly places me in his beautiful hand, and moves me to ' record his thoughts for the betterment of mankind. I have but one point in life to be useful to my master. On occasion I become empty---and useless--- but he does not cast me aside; he fills me again and again so that I can continue to be useful to him. I can of myself do nothing. I am an instrument for my master's use. Although it is pleasant resting next to his heart, I feel most useful when my master speaks to others through me. I carefully protect my point so that no defect of mine will mar or deface the thoughts that my master expresses. I do not try to do anything by myself, because it is only in partnership with my master that I can contribute.

I have no wisdom--he has it all.

I have no power--he supplies it.

I cannot fill myself--he does it for me.

He moves me, and I do not resist or complain.

I am an instrument created for my master's use. I am a fountain pen.

I cannot but think how much we are like the fountain pen. We were created for our Master's use, and then He bought us with His own life. He has a place close to His heart where we may rest on occasion. With His beautiful hand He guides our point in life in a way that helps others, and through us unfolds His plan of love to a lost world. Without Him we can do nothing. If on occasion we become empty and useless. He does not cast us aside; He fills us again and again with His Spirit, which overflows to our neighbors and friends. Like Paul, we are chosen vessels. We should not resist the guidance .of our Master. We have no wisdom; He has it all. We have no power; He supplies it all from a boundless store. Our one point in life should be to do His bidding. We should not allow our point or goals to be blunted so that His image will be marred.

Let us pledge ourselves that we will emulate the fountain pen, and be as we were intended willing instruments for the Master's use.

"Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel" (Acts 9:15).

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-Assistant Dean for Administration and Research, Loma Linda University

February 1972

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