“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 2:21).
Do a shift here and stop thinking in literal physical terms. The Word is preparing us to understand something significant which is often not understood. We, who are not clean, cannot clean ourselves. We need that which is clean to be cleaned. Without Christ it is hopeless. Only by grace are we saved. He has and will make us clean. That is the promise of salvation. The point goes farther in this text as the case is made to not give in to what we feel. Our feelings can drive us to that which is dishonorable. The Lord is bringing us to the place where we are always honorable. Come then and live into the life you have been offered in grace. Be guided by the goodness of the Lord and not by the fickle ways of this world. Know that He gives eternal life.
Lord, I see around me so many who are working so hard. Guide me Lord to not work so hard, but to trust You. You give the words of everlasting life. Lead me, Lord, in this way so that I may not try to clean myself on my own, but see that it is You alone who are able to do this. Guide me Lord in the way of truth and help me to share this truth with others. You alone have shown me what is true for You alone know.
Lord Jesus, Your name means salvation. Lead me and keep me from the temptation of leading myself. Guide me, O Lord, in the way of living my life such that I would now and forever be guided by You. Of course, I cannot make myself clean with filthy hands. But You cleanse me so that I may help others come to You as I come to You. In the truth You have revealed once for all, lead me to know that I am in You, now and forever. Amen.
