Empty Vessel - Miracle of Oil

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

Elisha’s ministry was full of miracles. There’s one that touches a tender spot in me because it has to do with a widow in need. She was completely broke as her husband had passed away and she had no income to stay off her creditors. In desperation, she cried out to Elisha. She was down to her last jar of oil. So, Elisha told her to gather as many empty vessels as she could from her neighbors. The empty vessels were important because the miracle of oil kept flowing as long as an empty jar was available. 

One of my mentors was fond of saying that God is drawn to our emptiness. He quoted this powerful statement from Charles Spurgeon:

“My Lord Jesus does not want your help. Abstain, resolve, repent, advance—do what you will. But do not join these poor things to His great salvation. Give up once and for all depending upon what you have done, even when you have done all—as an unprofitable servant quit all claims of wage and appeal to mercy only. Dismiss the proud notion of containing anything in yourself which comes of your fallen nature and yet can be acceptable with God. … Empty buckets are most fit for the well of grace—these shall be filled while the full ones stand idle at the well’s mouth.”

Too many Christ followers want to bring their merits to God to get a blessing in return. But as Spurgeon said, “Empty buckets are most fit for the well of grace.” You’re better to bring your emptiness and just say, “Fill me.”

The miracle of oil didn’t run out until there were no more empty vessels. The oil of the Holy Spirit, likewise, keeps filling as long as there is receptivity in your heart. Your emptiness doesn’t disqualify you from God’s blessing; it attracts it.

And Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?” And she said, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” Then he said, “Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few. Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. And when one is full, set it aside.” 2 Kings 4.2-4