"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But eagerly desire the greater gifts."
I Corinthians 12:27-31
"A Place of Teaching, Preaching & Healing." Matthew 4:23
The Master was searching for a vessel to use; On the shelf there were many - which one would He choose? "Take me", cried the gold one, "I'm shiny and bright, I'm 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 the best!"
The Master passed on with no word at all; He looked at the silver urn, narrow and tall; "I'll serve You, dear Master, I'll pour out your wine and I'll be at Your table whenever you dine, My lines are so graceful, my carvings so true, And my silver will always compliment You."
Unheeding the Master passed on to the brass, It was widemouthed and shallow, and polished like glass. "Here! Here!" cried the vessel, "I know I will do, Place me at Your table for all men to view."
"Look at me", called the goblet of crystal so clear, "My transparency shows my contents so dear, Though fragile am I, I will serve You with pride, And I'm sure I'll be in Your house to abide."
The Master came next to a 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!"
The the Master looked down and saw a vessel of clay. Empty and broken it helplessly lay. No hope had the vessel that the Master might choose, To cleanse and make whole, to fill and to use.
"Ah! This is the vessel I've been hoping to find, I will mend and use it and make it all Mine." "I need not the vessel with pride of its self; Nor the one who is narrow to sit on a shelf; Nor the one who is big-mouthed and shallow and loud; Nor one who displays his contents so proud; Not the one who thinks he can do all things just right; But this plain, earthy vessel filled with My power and might."
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 our to others as I pour into you." (author unknown)